US State Offers Guns, $1m As Prizes For Residents Who Take COVID-19 Vaccine

The Governor of West Virginia, Jim Justice, says residents of the state who get the COVID-19 vaccine will be entered into a draw to win prizes including custom firearms and $1 million.

Justice announced this on Tuesday in the latest initiative by a state government to boost inoculation efforts.

Speaking during a press briefing, the governor said June 20, which is Father’s Day, will mark the first of a series of weekly drawings running through Aug. 4.

“To be eligible, you have got to get your first shot. When I start through these prizes … there’s going to be a run on people getting their first shot. So go get ’em. Go get ’em so you’ll be eligible where we can draw your name, and absolutely you could win something that would be phenomenal,” he said.

Prizes up for grabs in the June 20 drawing include five custom hunting rifles, five custom hunting shotguns, two tricked-out pickup trucks and five lifetime hunting and fishing permits.

The Father’s Day draw also includes two four-year scholarships to any West Virginia educational institution for winners between the ages of 12 and 25 as well as a $1 million grand prize, Justice said.

The draw is open to West Virginians who received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine dating back to the winter, meaning early recipients of the vaccine won’t be left out.