Vaccination rate jumps 28 percent after lottery announcement

Ohio was the first state to roll out a cash lottery drawing as a vaccination incentive, and it appears to be working.

Coronavirus vaccinations in Ohio jumped 28 percent in the days following the governor’s announcement of a lottery for residents who get the shots, state health officials said Thursday.

Vaccinations among people 16 and older had been down 25 percent the weekend of May 7-10, compared to the previous weekend. After Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced the lottery on May 12, vaccination rates increased 28 percent in the period of May 14-17, the state Department of Health said.

Residents who have been vaccinated will be eligible for five drawings of $1 million each.