Charlotte-area woman, Greensboro teen latest winners in NC's vaccine lottery

Natalie Everett, of Pineville, is the second of four $1 million winners in the Your Shot at a Million Summer Cash Drawing.

Meanwhile, Jessica Klima, a 16-year-old high school student from Greensboro, became the second teen to win a $125,000 college scholarship in the Summer Cash 4 College drawing.

Everett said she wanted to get vaccinated after spending time researching the vaccines.

"I had COVID-19, and after doing a lot of research, I believe getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent me from getting the virus again," she said.

Klima said she was inspired to get vaccinated after learning her parents had gotten their shots.

"I plan to go to college and become a physical therapist, so I can help people the way I’ve seen them help others," she said.

"A big thank you to our winners for getting their shot against COVID-19 to protect themselves and others," said Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the state Department of Health and Human Services. "North Carolina is seeing cases, hospitalizations and deaths increasing. Don’t wait to vaccinate."

More than 1,000 new coronavirus infections were reported statewide Thursday, the first time North Carolina has topped that mark in almost two months. Over the last week, the state has added an average of 709 cases each day, which is 145 percent higher than just two weeks ago.

"Ninety-nine percent of those cases are in folks who are unvaccinated," Cohen said. "That's why we're here to remind people that you need to get vaccinated as soon as possible."

COVID-19 hospitalizations are also up, to 492 on Thursday – 25 percent higher than two weeks ago.

"What we're seeing is people in their 20s, 30s [or] 40s going into the hospital with COVID," she said, noting that younger adults are more likely to be unvaccinated.

Fifty-three percent of North Carolinians 12 or older are fully vaccinated, and another 3 percent have gotten at least one dose of vaccine, according to DHHS data.

Million-dollar prizes don't produce expected surge in vaccinations in NC

Any state resident 18 or older who has received at least one dose of vaccine is automatically entered into drawings for a chance to win $1 million in cash. Four others ages 12 to 17 can win $125,000 in a 529 college savings account for post-secondary education.

Those vaccinated on or after June 10 are entered twice for each drawing, increasing the chance of winning for the newly vaccinated.

Drawings take place every other week on Wednesdays, and new entries close at midnight on the Sunday prior to each drawing. The final two drawings will be held July 21 and Aug. 4.