Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said the state is seeing an increase in vaccinations since the announcement of the million-dollar lottery.
He said the "Ohio Vax-A-Million" sweepstakes along with the drawing for a full-ride scholarship has turned the numbers around.
DeWine said the state saw a 94% increase in vaccinations among ages 16-17. There was a 46% increase in vaccinations among 18 and 19-year-olds and a 55% increase for people ages 20-49.
"The vaccinations that we've received after we announced Vax-A-Million have exceeded my wildest expectations," DeWine said.
Ohio's governor says nearly 2.8 million residents have registered for Ohio’s Vax-a-Million vaccination incentive prize ahead of Wednesday's drawing. Winners will be announced weekly at the end of the Ohio Lottery’s Cash Explosion TV show.
There are critics who say the money used for the million-dollar drawings and college scholarships is a misuse of taxpayer funds, but DeWine counters that vaccinations can save lives and lower hospital fees.
