The MI (my) Shot to Win COVID-19 incentive program came to a close this week. And today (Wednesday) state officials held a press conference saying it was a success.
Michigan did not reach its goal. The plan behind the multi-million dollar sweepstakes was to have 70% Michiganders receiving their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by July 31. As of yesterday (August 3) the state was at 64%. Vaccination rates jumped only two-percent during the program.
Kerry Singh, the Protect Michigan Commission director, said although the state didn’t meet its goal, the program was a success.
“If you break down the $5 million in my shot to win sweepstake prizes and recognize that about 158,000 Michiganders got their first dose in July, that equates to about $32 per vaccine," Singh said. "I say that's a pretty darn good return on investment, especially when you consider hospital stays can average around $66,000 for COVID-19.”
Singh said now, state workers will be going door-to-door in low coverage areas and continuing to educate residents.
The MI Shot to Win sweepstakes gave $50,000 daily to a Michigander who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
One of those winners is Brianna Hrejsa, a respiratory therapist in Greenville.
She said she waited because there wasn’t FDA approval. Ultimately, she decided to get it in July.
“Studies continue to show us that the vaccine is working," Hrejsa said. "And I want to do my part and not hope it helping keep myself but my partner, my patients and my community safe. So that's why I decided to get the shot."
During the sweepstakes the number of Michiganders to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine increased each week.
The first full week in July nearly 29,000 individuals got vaccinated in Michigan. Last week, it was just over 41,000.
“We are happy with the progress we have made," Singh said. "Every public health expert will tell you the middle of the summer always shows lower vaccination rates, lower than any other time during a year.”
Since the opportunity to enter the MI Shot to Win just ended, the State of Michigan is finding new ways to encourage the remaining 36% of the eligible population vaccinated. These ways include educating individuals, encouraging people to talk to loved ones and going door to door.