All residents of California are automatically registered to win the state's vaccine lottery but one San Francisco Bay Area County is offering its own lottery.
"With the deadline to participate in the State of California’s “Vax for the Win” program just around the corner, Marin County Public Health is urging all remaining unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated this week for a chance to win the big prize. In addition, the County will supplement the state’s vaccine lottery by offering a local vaccine incentive," a county spokesperson wrote in a statement.
"As the state gets closer to the June 15 reopening, Public Health hopes to best serve community needs," the statement continued. "A $25 grocery store gift card will be provided to new vaccine seekers at select Marin County vaccination sites while supplies last.
"Later this week, Public Health will update its online vaccine finder tool to highlight the specific vaccination sites that will offer the gift card incentive. Those gift cards will be handed out immediately following the first dose.
"This extra nudge also automatically secures all vaccinated residents of California ages 12 and over, a spot in the new $116.5 million “Vax for the Win” program – the largest vaccine incentive program in the nation."
As previously reported “Vax for the Win” is a vaccine incentive program that offers three ways to win cash prizes. Last week California Governor Gavin Newsom awarded 15 Californians $50,000 each in the first of two randomized drawings. Seven of those winners were from the San Francisco Bay Area.
“More than 88% of eligible Marin residents have chosen to get vaccinated for our community’s overall health,” said Dr. Lisa Santora, Deputy Public Health Officer. “We hope the chance to become a millionaire, or even just the opportunity receive help with groceries, will help nudge that number even higher so we can obtain wider community immunity in the weeks ahead.”
The county is reminding residents that Marin County citizens have just one week left to take advantage of drive through vaccinations in Marin. Many walk-up mobile sites will continue throughout the summer months, the County’s only drive-through site, located at Larkspur Ferry Terminal, will close on June 17.
"California has made incredible progress in the fight against COVID-19, with the lowest case rates in the entire country and millions more vaccines administered than any other state. But we aren't stopping there, we're doing everything it takes to get Californians vaccinated as we approach June 15 to help us safely reopen and bring the state roaring back,” said Governor Newsom.
“We are making another push to get more Californians vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “With more than 70 percent of adults having already received at least one dose, the Vax for the Win program is the creative approach we need to make that final push for those who remain unvaccinated.”
For more information about Marin County’s incentive program or find a vaccination location near you visit GetVaccinatedMarin.org.