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(Image courtesy of the Office of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo)
(Image courtesy of the Office of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo)

'Vax & Scratch' program providing lottery tickets for prizes up to $5 million

Submitted

Fri, May 21st 2021 09:55 am

Individuals vaccinated at one of 10 state mass-vaccination sites will receive a free $20 NYS Lottery scratch-off ticket

√ Sites open to walk-ins and appointments May 24-28; all sites open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced a new vaccination program that will provide free New York Lottery scratch-off tickets to individuals 18 and over, with a grand prize of $5 million.

The program will initially include 10 vaccination sites across the New York City, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and Western New York regions. The sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, May 24, to Friday, May 28.

The program is not expected to impact education funding.

"We know that vaccinations are the vital piece of the puzzle we need to crush COVID once and for all," Cuomo said. "We're doing everything we can to make getting a vaccine as quick and easy as possible but, as vaccination rates slow across the state, we're going to have to get creative to put even more shots in arms. This new pilot program will offer a greater incentive for New Yorkers to get vaccinated by offering a free scratch-off ticket for a chance to win up to $5 million. The more New Yorkers we can get vaccinated, the better our situation and the faster we can return to a new normal; so I encourage everyone who hasn't been vaccinated yet to go to your nearest site and get the shot."

The prize payout for this game is available below:

1st

$5,000,000

2nd

$50,000

3rd

$20,000

4th

$5,000

5th

$2,000

6th

$500

7th

$400

8th

$200

9th

$100

10th

$50

11th

$40

12th

$30

13th

$20

The ticket, which is sold by retailers across the state for $20, will be provided free to individuals 18-plus who take their first dose or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at one of the sites. The sites are open to both walk-ins and appointments. In Western New York, visit the University at Buffalo South Campus, 3435 Main St., Buffalo.

The new pilot program adds to New York state's ongoing efforts to make the COVID-19 vaccine more accessible.

All state mass-vaccination sites are open for walk-in appointments. Additionally, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments and eliminate other barriers for vaccinations for eligible New Yorkers.

The COVID-19 vaccine tracker dashboard is available to update New Yorkers on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. The New York State Department of Health requires vaccinating facilities to report all COVID-19 vaccine administration data within 24 hours. The vaccine administration data on the dashboard is updated daily to reflect the most up-to-date metrics in the state's vaccination effort.

New Yorkers who suspect fraud in the vaccine distribution process can call toll-free 833-VAX-SCAM (833-829-7226) or email the NYSDOH at [email protected]. Hotline staff will route complaints to the appropriate investigative agencies to ensure New Yorkers are not being taken advantage of as the state works to vaccinate the entire eligible population.

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