VACCINATION: State offerings cash prizes and other ‘incentives’

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

That’s video of the governor’s big announcement this afternoon that the state plans “incentives” for getting vaccinated. Not just for those who have yet to get a shot, but for those who are already vaccinated, too. The “Shot of a Lifetime” promotion includes five weekly drawings for cash – $250,000 weekly for four weeks and $1 million for the fifth – plus prizes from state-parks passes to college-tuition credits. (See the complete list in the news release.) Everybody who’s in the state database is eligible; the drawings start June 8th. One big question: How do you verify that you’re in the state database? You can do it online here, or by calling the state hotline at 833-VAX-HELP.

Alki resident June 3, 2021 (5:31 pm)

Bribery at its finest.

Peter June 3, 2021 (5:39 pm)

I’ll take that bribe.
What Do I Know June 3, 2021 (6:33 pm)

Perhaps a participation award?
Anne June 3, 2021 (7:05 pm)

Will be interesting to see if number of folks getting vaccinated shows sharp rise- after this announcement. Add me to the list of those glad the already vaccinated are eligible,
Helpermonkey June 3, 2021 (8:50 pm)

Bribery to Do The Right Thing? Yeah I’ll take that. If it means people are getting vaccinated. Seems weird to call it “bribery” though.

JJ June 3, 2021 (5:43 pm)

Awesome! I’d love a cash prize!

Peter S. June 3, 2021 (6:12 pm)

Whatever it takes. Personally, I couldn’t wait to get my shot(s). Less chance of getting seriously ill or making someone else seriously ill was incentive enough for me. I’m glad they had the good sense to make those who are already vaccinated eligible. Equity, after all.

AB83 June 3, 2021 (6:39 pm)

Heck…… if they really want people to get vaccinated they should just add five low bridge passes as part of the potential prizes. LOL

Rme June 4, 2021 (7:23 am)

Hahahaha this got me good.

Mj June 3, 2021 (6:48 pm)

Peter S. – I hate shots and a big driving force for me was ditching the mask!

And regarding the lottery incentive I’m wondering if 25 $10K prizes in lieu of $250K, 100 total versus 4 might have been better?

GEH June 3, 2021 (7:28 pm)

Is anyone else having trouble registering using the link?

Reed June 3, 2021 (8:01 pm)

A chance for a government handout? Those conservative welfare queens should be on this like a duck on a june bug.

Rosey June 3, 2021 (8:02 pm)

This incentive program is substantially more reasonable than California’s, which is a waste of money that rewards jackasses who have had all the time in the world to get their shot. Props to WA government on this one.

Alex June 3, 2021 (8:12 pm)

it is impossible to register. You get to the last screen and then are kicked out due to server error.

Sam-c June 3, 2021 (8:22 pm)

Same. After going thru all the steps for registration and giving up that info, got a 500 error on the last page. Each step took forever too; click “submit/ next” and then go do something else for 5 minutes…..
Carole June 3, 2021 (8:23 pm)

I’m having the same problem Everything filled out, I put in the “captcha” word and get kicked out. Then it wants a new pw and gives you a new captcha word. And bounces you out again.
wreckless eric June 3, 2021 (10:24 pm)

Sounds like web issues due to high traffic. Maybe try early morning? If you’ve been vaccinated you should already be in the database and automatically entered to win, shouldn’t have to register, is my understanding.

Auntie June 3, 2021 (9:15 pm)

I would say if you are already fully vaccinated, have not procrastinated (for whatever reason), you have already won a lottery. It’s the lottery that keeps you relatively safe from getting and spreading the virus. If I’m in the lottery pool, fine, thank you. If, for some computer-related reason I am not – oh, well. At least I am as protected as I can be.

Mj June 3, 2021 (9:51 pm)

I too was unable to check verify vaccination, got into a endless loop. Apparently the system is not working.

Gina June 3, 2021 (11:03 pm)

Trying to register brings back those memories of April trying to get an appointment for the vaccine!

Alex June 4, 2021 (7:15 am)

I called the phone number at 6:45 this morning. Between the hold time, the operator also getting kicked out of the system and checking for my name, it took 18 minutes. I am not the biggest fan of Inslee but opening up this lottery to people who already got the vaccine was the right thing to do.

Sorry, comment time is over.