Washington’s military-focused vaccine lottery holds first drawing Tuesday
Jul 20, 2021, 11:05 AM
A patient receives a COVID-19 vaccination on Feb. 4, 2021, in Federal Way, Washington. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)
Washington state’s “Shot of a Lifetime” vaccine lottery has ended and the grand prize of $1 million has been awarded, but the military-focused “A Heroes Thanks” lottery has its first drawing Tuesday.
Gov. Inslee announces vaccine lottery for military personnel, veterans
“A Heroes Thanks” is the state’s vaccine appreciation promotion specifically . The first drawing is on July 20, but a formal announcement of the cash prize winner make take a few days. Tuesday’s drawing includes one $100,000 cash prize, five $250 Amazon gift cards, and five $100 Washington State Parks gift cards.
There will be a second $100,000 cash prize drawing on July 27, followed by a grand prize drawing of $250,000 on Aug. 3.
Since the federal government did not share the identity or names of individuals who were vaccinated by Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense in order for the state to be able to include them in the first lottery, the military-focused lottery, as Gov. Inslee previously explained, gives the state a way to honor military members and veterans.
The state now has access to the names of people who got their shots through the VA, but active duty members of the military have to submit their names to the program in order to be included.
“Clearly, these are some of our most treasured Washingtonians, and I’m glad to be able to provide this incentive program for them,” Inslee said in June when the lottery was announced.
WA health leaders: 70% vaccination rate not end of pandemic
As of July 14, the state reached its goal of 70% of those age 16 and up having received at least one vaccine dose. The state has already met and exceeded the goal the federal government set, which was 70% of those ages 18 and up receiving one dose.
Find FAQs and full rules of the lottery online here.
