*12 million eligible people have not yet received the vaccine.
California residents who get vaccinated against COVID-19 could become millionaires, as state Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday launched "Vax for the Win," a new multi-faceted vaccine incentive program designed to encourage Californians to get vaccinated before the June 15 reopening.
The incentives are intended to give an extra "boost" to those who still need to be vaccinated against COVID-19, especially those living in hard-to-reach communities, while thanking those who have already been vaccinated.
"Getting all eligible Californians vaccinated is taking back our state from this pandemic," Newsom said.
The governor detailed that California has already made incredible progress in the fight against COVID-19, with the lowest case rates in the country, while administering millions more vaccines than any other state.
"But we're not stopping there - we're doing everything we need to do to vaccinate Californians as we approach June 15 with the idea of fully reopening safely," he said.
More than 62.8 percent of Californians 12 and older are at least partially vaccinated, but an estimated 12 million eligible people have not yet received the vaccine.
"The state will work closely with our partners in local health departments and community-based organizations to ensure that the program reaches families living in communities with the lowest vaccination rates, who may face language barriers and other obstacles," she said.
How will the millionaire sweepstakes work in California?
Thus, all Californians over the age of 12 who are at least partially vaccinated will be automatically eligible for cash prize drawings to be held in June.
30 total winners will be selected for $50,000 cash prize drawings on June 4 and June 11, totaling $1.5 million.
On June 15, $1.5 million will be awarded to 10 lucky Californians for a total of $15 million in cash prizes.
Please note that winners must complete their vaccination to claim their prize. If someone under the age of 18 wins, the cash will be deposited into a savings account until they turn 18.
Beginning May 27, the next two million people who begin and complete their COVID-19 vaccination will automatically be eligible to receive a $50 prepaid or grocery card, for a total of $100 million in support.
They will also be given the option to select between a $50 virtual prepaid card - which can be spent online, at stores that accept all major debit cards, or added to a mobile wallet to use for purchases at stores that accept mobile wallets - or a $50 grocery gift card from Kroger - which includes Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Foods Co. - or Albertsons - which includes Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Andronico's Community Markets - while supplies last.
Californians will receive a text message with an electronic prepaid card redemption code sent to their mobile phone or email address 7 to 10 days after their two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna, or single dose of Johnson and Johnson.
For more information, interested parties can visit the site of the program. To schedule an appointment to get vaccinated, you can go to MyTurn.ca.gov or call the CA COVID-19 hotline at 1-833-422-4255.
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