To encourage Americans to get their COVID-19 vaccines, states have been holding lotteries and giving people a chance to win money. Ohio was holding $1 million weekly drawings and West Virginia got a little more creative by giving away guns, trucks, and state park vacations. Now, Michigan is the latest to hop on the bandwagon.

On Thursday morning, Governor Whitmer held a press conference and announced 'MI Shot To Win' - a chance for people who have gotten their vaccine to win some money. More than $5 million in prizes will be given away to lucky winners. Governor Whitmer says this program will "save and change lives." She also went onto say that we are going to do it "bigger and better than Ohio!"

the lottery will be divided into different categories:

  • $1M drawing: July 1-10
  • $2M drawing: July 1-August 3
  • $50,000 daily drawing: July 1-August 3
  • $55K Scholarship Drawings: July 1-July 30

Entries into the lottery are available to people who have at least received their first COVID-19 vaccine done by December 1, 2020 and by the time the sweepstakes come to an end.

Nine scholarships worth $55,000 will be given to students between 12 and 17-years of age. The money will cover a four-year degree. A parent or legal guardian must enter for their child. The other three drawings are only available to people 18 and up.

During the press conference, Whitmer stated that 62% of residents 16 and up have gotten at least their first dose. The goal is 70%. They anticipate this sweepstakes will help achieve that goal with the addition of 700,000 Michiganders.

Governor Whitmer also addressed the importance of getting the vaccine as the virus is still out there, especially with the latest Delta strain which has already been identified in Michigan. This strain will eventually become the dominant one in the U.S.

To find out if you're eligible and to sign up for one of the drawings, enter here.

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LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

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