Million-dollar prizes don't produce expected surge in vaccinations in NC
Gov. Roy Cooper was in Smithfield Friday to promote the state's cash drawings for people who have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Despite that incentive, state data shows vaccinations have declined sharply over the past week.
Posted — UpdatedBut WRAL Data Trackers show the vaccination rate has actually declined 23 percent since the four $1 million prizes were announced last week.
The eligibility rules are simple: Those who have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and are 18 years or older will be automatically entered in the drawings, while youths between the ages of 12 and 17 will be eligible for four $125,000 scholarships to the college of their choice.
To encourage those reluctant to get the vaccine, anyone who gets their shots on or after June 10 gets two entries for each drawing. Drawings will take place every other Wednesday from June 23 to Aug. 4.
More than 55 percent of the adult population in North Carolina has gotten at least one shot, he said.
"I thank God for these miraculous vaccines that are pulling us back toward normal," Cooper said while touring the Johnston County Public Health Department Friday. "The more people we can get vaccinated, the better off we'll be."
He expressed gratitude for the willingness of the state's older residents to get the vaccine.
"We're getting close to 82 percent for those 65 and over who have had at least their first shot," he said. "This is our most vulnerable population and has been throughout this pandemic, so that's positive."
As of last week, about 2.5 million adults statewide hadn't yet been vaccinated. Cooper said that's even more concerning given the rapid spread of the Delta variant in the state. He's worried about a resurgence in cases in areas with low vaccination rates.
“That is more dangerous and more contagious, if you can believe it,” Cooper said.
Cooper said vaccine lotteries have boosted rates in other states, but candidly acknowledged North Carolina has not yet seen the same effect.
“Even holding steady would be a positive thing so that we don’t keep going down in the number of people being vaccinated,” he told WRAL News, adding that he's hoping the publicity around the first drawing will encourage more people to get shots.
Smithfield Mayor Andy Moore said he supports anything that might motivate people.
"We are at 35 percent, and we need to increase that," Moore said.
Shelly Barbour was getting vaccinated Friday but said the drawing wasn't the motivating factor for her.
“I decided to come in and get my shot for my kids and myself to protect them,” Barbour said.
However, she added, "I have heard talk around the community about people doing it for the incentive.”
In North Carolina, only 220 new coronavirus infections were announced Friday, and 475 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19.
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