Way to go, Seattle! A U.S. Census Bureau survey in March found that our Emerald City had the most vaccine enthusiasm of any metro area in the country. We rolled up our sleeves and took our best shot.
So what will it take to motivate the disenfranchised who are still unvaccinated against Covid 19 to join the increasingly immunized herd? Why franchises for one. Next, add in free donuts. And then there’s big money in statewide lottery incentives.
Gov. Jay Inslee has just announced a new lottery program in the state’s latest push to get more people vaccinated to curb the spread of COVID-19. Five lucky Washingtonians will win a cash giveaway for getting vaccinated. Four residents could win $250,000 while one person could hit the jackpot — $1 million.
Other prizes are up for grabs, including tuition money, airline and game tickets and tech gifts like game consoles and smart speakers.
Who is eligible?
All Washington residents, who are 16 or older, regardless of citizenship, are eligible if they have received at least one dose. Proof of Washington residency is required to claim a prize.
If you’re an employee (or family member of an employee) working at the Office of the Governor, Washington State Lottery or Department of Health, you’re out of luck and won’t be eligible for any incentives.
People who are incarcerated in a state, federal, city or county correction facility are also not eligible, according to the Washington Lottery.
Do I need to enter the contest?
The only thing Washingtonians need to do is get vaccinated. The winners will be drawn from the DOH immunization database, which includes those who have been vaccinated previously.
Inslee said the state is trying to use federal databases to fill in any gaps. It is not immediately clear whether those who received vaccines outside of Washington but live within the state will be included in the drawing.
How do I know if I’m in the state’s system?
You can check if you’re in the state database by signing up for MyIRmobile.com, where you can also download and print your vaccine records.
Residents can request an immunization record from the state health department by calling 360-236-3595. When you call, you’ll be asked to provide identifying information, such as name, date of birth, and address. They’ll only be able to tell you whether or not a record exists in the system.
However, some residents have reported that they cannot find their vaccine records on My IR, and that the phone number listed by DOH has a full voicemail box.
When are the drawings?
Every Tuesday starting June 8. The Washington State Lottery will start with a weekly drawing for $250,000 for four weeks, before drawing for the $1 million grand prize on July 13.
Do I have a chance if I got vaccinated out of state?
At the moment, no.
Those records are not in the state’s system. But Miller said the state is in contact with federal agencies about creating a secure way to share vaccination records.
Oregon has announced lottery prizes ranging from $10,000 to $1 million for state residents vaccinated against COVID-19. All residents 18 and older who’ve received at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccine by June 27 should be entered into the “Take Your Shot Oregon” lottery, which will be held on June 28. If you are an Oregon resident and have already received one or both shots, and are over 18, you will be entered automatically.
Ohio governor Mike DeWine is giving state residents a shot to win big money by making vaccinated adults eligible to enter a lottery that will pay out $1 million each to five winners beginning May 26. Separately, DeWine is offering five vaccinated teenagers full-ride scholarships to the state’s public universities, which includes all four years of tuition, room, board and textbooks. On a smaller scale, West Virginia governor Jim Justice is offering a $100 savings bond to residents age 16 to 35 who choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you are among those looking for extra motivation — beyond the virtue of helping the nation return to some semblance of normalcy, not to mention safeguarding the health of your family, friends and co-workers, an extra inducement may be just what your doctor would order. The state of Washington is considering several options, including a lottery.
A research study conducted by the UCLA COVID-19 Health and Politics Project among more than 75,000 people, indicated that roughly a third of the unvaccinated population could be incentivized to get a shot by a cash payment. The inducement was greatest for those in the group offered $100 (34% said they would get vaccinated for a “C-note”). One hundred bucks was six percentage points higher than the group receiving a $25 incentive.
Here at home, Amazon has announced that any of the new hires from its latest recruitment drive who arrive on the job already vaccinated will receive a $100 bonus.
The Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma has started offering $25 Fred Meyer gift cards as a way to get more people vaccinated at its walk-up clinics. The center will be offering the gift cards through at least early June.
The Mariners Step Up to the Plate
After being the first major league baseball team to offer COVID-19 vaccinations during games, the Seattle Mariners have also opened vaccination-only seating sections and will offer exclusive rewards to vaccinated fans who attend games at T-Mobile Park.
“Getting vaccinated is the single most important thing we can all do to protect ourselves, our families and our community,” said Mariners chairman and managing partner John Stanton. ” The Mariners’ plan allows fans who are fully vaccinated to purchase tickets as low as $10 and receive special rewards exclusive to fans with proof of full vaccination. Special sections are on sale for games held May 13-June 2.
Vaccination-only sections at the ballpark are available to fully vaccinated adults and children between the ages of 2-15. (Proof of a negative COVID-19 test is an acceptable substitution for anyone 2-15 years old.) Nine private suites will also be made available at full capacity for fully vaccinated guests. (14-26 guests)
Within the vaccine-only sections, social distancing is not enforced; however, masks are still required when not actively eating or drinking in your assigned seat.
Other Local Perks for the Newly Vaccinated
Krispy Kreme
The deal: If you got your COVID-19 vaccine, Krispy Kreme will give you a free donut every day for the rest of the year.
When: Through December 31
White Castle
The deal: Get the original fast food chain’s celebratory cake on a stick in one of four flavors—butter cake, fudge dipped brownie, fudge dipped cheesecake-on-a-stick, or birthday cake—for free by showing proof that you’re vaccinated.
When: Through May 31
Uber
The deal: You can now book your vaccine appointment through the Uber app and get a free ride while you’re at it.
When: Ongoing
Lyft
The deal: Many people lack easy transportation access. Lyft is offering free rides in some cities to people who qualify for one. See if you qualify here.
When: Ongoing
Across the southern border in Portland, Oregon, cannabis chain Kaya Shack launched a “Pot for Shot” program, offering a 10 percent discount to anyone who brings in their vaccine card from now until the end of the pandemic, whenever that might be. [24×7]
