Getting a Vaccination in New York State Could Still Win You $5 Million
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine in New York State could still win you $5 Million.
Over the weekend Governor Cuomo announced an extension of the “Vax and Scratch” program for certain state-run vaccine sites.
Cuomo says every eligible person who gets their first dose of Pfizer, Moderna or their single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine will receive a $20 lotto scratch-off ticket. The ticket has a number of monetary prizes available.
According to the New York State Lottery the prizes are listed from highest to lowest.
1st Prize - $5,000,000
2nd Prize - $50,000
3rd Prize - $20,000
4th Prize - $5,000
5th Prize - $2,000
6th Prize - $500
7th - $400
8th Prize - $200
9th - $100
10th Prize - $50
11th Prize - $40
12th Prize - $30
13th - $20
The tickets are only available at limited POD locations and you must be 18 or older to qualify for a ticket. The closest drive for someone In the Mohawk Valley region is to Otsego County. Residents of the region can get their scratch-off by being vaccinated at SUNY Oneonta. Other vaccine sites across the state offering the scratch-off ticket include the SUNY Orange campus in Middletown (Mid-Hudson region) and in the North Country at SUNY Potsdam.
Cuomo says,
A robust vaccination program is a vital cornerstone of New York's efforts to rebuild our economy, and the state is implementing creative strategies to convince residents and families to get vaccinated for COVID-19. This potential $5 million grand prize for getting vaccinated is the latest salvo in our campaign to convince New Yorkers to take the shot, and we're extending it to give even more people a chance at a winning ticket.
Appointments are available, but walk-ins are always welcome for vaccination distribution. There are also a number of other incentives being offered depending on where you live in the state. One of the biggest positives about getting a vaccine is the ability to not wear your mask in certain businesses or venues. Sports teams have offered free tickets for vaccines and teens are being offered a full-ride scholarship, room & board included, to any State University, College or Community College.