The first 'Shot at a Million' drawing is happening Thursday, Kentucky. Here's what to know
Sometime Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear will announce the first winners of Kentucky's Shot at a Million incentive, aimed at increasing the state's number of people vaccinated against COVID-19.
But the drawing itself will happen Thursday.
A governor's spokeswoman said staff from Beshear's office, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority and Kentucky Interactive, LLC, will draw the names.
Here's everything to know about Shot at a Million:
How many people will win Shot at a Million prizes?
Thursday's drawing is the first of three. The next drawings are on July 29 and Aug. 26, with winners announced the following day. Each drawing will award one cash prize and five scholarships.
In total, three Kentuckians 18 or older will become millionaires and 15 Kentuckians ages 12 to 17 will get full-ride scholarships to a public college, university or technical school in the commonwealth, including room, board, tuition and textbooks.
Scholarship funds will remain available to winners until they turn 28, at which time unused money defaults to the state.
Background:Vaccinated Kentuckians will get chance at $1M or a full-ride scholarship. How to sign up
What are the Shot at a Million requirements?
At least a first vaccine dose is required for valid entry into the giveaway. Those who enter give the Kentucky Department for Public Health the right to access their vaccination records and verify that they are eligible. If they don't turn out to be eligible, they are disqualified and another name is drawn.
More:Kentuckians flock to 'Shot At a Million' vaccine lottery. Here's how many have signed up
Other eligibility requirements include:
- Must be legal U.S. and Kentucky resident.
- Must be at least 12.
- If 12 years old, must have a parent or guardian also complete the application
- Must not be incarcerated or a convicted felon
- Must not be employed by the Office of the Governor, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, or Kentucky Interactive, LLC and must not be related to any such employee.
- Must have received at least one vaccine dose.
How many people have entered Shot at a Million?
So far, 2,189,128 Kentuckians have received at least one vaccine dose, about 49% of the state's population.
As of Wednesday, 435,564 adults and 115,107 youth have entered the drawing. That means about 20% of those vaccinated have entered.
More:Poll: Majority of Kentuckians believe COVID vaccines' benefits outweigh risks
Entrants also agree to have their names released if they win. For full rules and application information, visit this website: https://govstatus.egov.com/shot-at-a-million-home.
What did other states do with vaccine incentives?
Kentucky isn't the only state to offer incentives aimed at boosting vaccines, but its effectiveness in that endeavor is still unclear.
The Associated Press reported last week that Ohio's program — worth millions in incentives — came to a close while the state struggled to reach 50% vaccinated despite early success.
Incentive programs also fell short of their goals in West Virginia and Colorado, while other states including Oregon and California have seen some success.
West Virginia included pickup trucks and hunting rifles in its giveaways.
More:Did the vaccine lottery gamble work? Here's what happened in Ohio
Reach health reporter Sarah Ladd at sladd@courier-journal.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ladd_sarah.