The Ohio Lottery and the Ohio Department of Health are reporting that approximately 1 million entries have been collected, and that preliminary data shows vaccination rates continue to grow.
“Governor DeWine’s announcement of Ohio Vax-a-Million was exactly what we needed to reinvigorate interest in receiving COVID-19 vaccines,” said Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud. “After the announcement, our preliminary data shows that more than 113,000 Ohioans have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines.”
By comparison, during the same time period the previous week (Thursday, May 6, through Tuesday, May 11, compared to the recent period of Thursday, May 13 through Tuesday, May 18), approximately 74,000 Ohioans had received their first dose, meaning the recent period marks a 53% increase from the time period before the announcement.
In addition, each day between Thursday, May 13, and Monday, May 17, shows a higher number of vaccinations than the same day the previous week. Several of those mark the highest in multiple consecutive weeks, including:
• Friday, May 14: Highest Friday in four weeks.
• Sunday, May 16: Highest Sunday in four weeks.
• Monday, May 17: Highest Monday in four weeks.
“We are seeing increasing numbers in all age groups, except those 80 and older, who are highly vaccinated already,” added Director McCloud. “Although the rate among that group is decreasing, it is doing so at a less rapid pace, demonstrating some positive impact even in that group.”
The recent addition of those age 12-15 accounts for 37,771 first doses administered since last Thursday; the remaining 67% of first doses were administered to those age 16 or older.
Ohio Vax-a-Million is a public outreach campaign and initiative to increase awareness of the availability and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and provide incentives to Ohioans to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Ohioans 18 and older who have received a received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can enter to win one of five $1 million prizes. Ohioans ages 12-17 who have received a received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can enter to win one of five four-year, full-ride scholarships, including room and board, tuition, and books, to any Ohio state college or university. More information is available at ohiovaxamillion.com.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine, or find an appointment near you at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. Walk-in appointments are available at many providers statewide. To speak with a representative to answer questions or book an appointment by phone, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
