FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2021
Contact:  ODH Office of Communications (614) 644-8562
Danielle Frizzi-Babb, Ohio Lottery (216) 774-5685                    

Ohioans continue to get vaccinated, sign up for next Vax-a-Million lottery drawing

Entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. May 30 for second drawing on June 2

COLUMBUS—Ohio continues to report an increase in vaccination rates among Ohioans as the deadline for entering the second round of drawings for Vax-a-Million approaches.

According to Ohio Department of Health data, vaccination numbers increased during both weeks following the May 12 lottery announcement when compared with the week prior to the announcement.

An analysis of vaccination data from the two weeks that followed the Vax-a-Million announcement shows:

• A weekly average increase of 77%, or an average of 68,667 more shots per week, post-announcement, compared with pre-announcement.
  • Week 1 (total): 106% increase or 94,657 more shots week over week when compared to the week before the announcement.
  • Week 2 (total): 48% increase or 42,677 more shots week over week when compared to the week before the announcement.
• Among those ages 16 and older who were previously eligible, a 28% increase, or an average of 25,390 more shots per week, post-announcement compared with pre-announcement.
  • Week 1 (16 and older): 44% increase or 39,154 more shots week over week when compared to the week before the announcement.
  • Week 2 (16 and older): 12% increase or 11,626 more shots week over week when compared to the week before the announcement.

“Ohio’s Vax-a-Million drawing was designed to bring attention and excitement to vaccination efforts around the state. This data showing significant increases in vaccination numbers during the two weeks since the contest was announced demonstrates it is working,” Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud said. “Vaccines are our best tool to return to the lives we remember from before the pandemic.”

ABOUT VAX-A-MILLION

Ohioans 18 and older who have received a received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can enter Vax-a-Million drawings to win one of five $1 million prizes. Ohioans ages 12-17 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can enter to win one of five four-year, full-ride scholarships, including room and board, tuition, and books, to any Ohio state college or university.

The first winners for $1 million and a college scholarship were announced May 26. Winners will be announced each Wednesday, at approximately 7:30 p.m., for five weeks. The next drawing is June 2, and the final announcement will take place on Wednesday, June 23.

More than 5.2 million Ohioans have started the vaccination process. However, not all who are eligible have entered the drawings. Ohio Vax-a-Million is an opt-in program, meaning Ohioans are not automatically entered. It takes less than two minutes to enter online at ohiovaxamillion.com. Those without internet access can also enter by phone at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

Ohioans only need to enter the drawings once. Non-winning entries will be carried over through all the drawings. You do not need to submit your name each week. The entry list will be reviewed, and all duplicate entries will be removed prior to each week’s drawing. In addition, any winner will be removed from the eligible draw list for subsequent drawings. Vaccination records will be verified for winners. If you are an Ohio resident who was vaccinated in another state, you are eligible, but will need to present proof of vaccination.

Ohio Vax-a-Million is a public outreach campaign and initiative to increase awareness of the availability and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and provide incentives to Ohioans to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Ohioans 18 and older who have received a received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can enter to win one of five $1 million prizes. Ohioans ages 12-17 who have received a received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can enter to win one of five four-year, full-ride scholarships, including room and board, tuition, and books, to any Ohio state college or university. More information is available at ohiovaxamillion.com.

All Ohioans age 12 and older are currently eligible to be vaccinated. Ohioans can find additional vaccination opportunities and schedule appointments by visiting gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov or by calling 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Walk-in appointments are available at many providers statewide. Anyone with questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination within the state of Ohio can learn more at coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine.

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