Governor Gavin Newsom announces new vaccine lottery winners in the Vax to Win program in California

Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday announced the latest Vax to Win recepients in California that include five from the San Francisco Bay Area and one from the City of San Francisco.

The names of the winners are not being released for privacy reasons but here are the counties were those 15 got their shots:

Vax to Win program, a vaccine lottery in CaliforniaOffice of California Governor Gavin Newsom

• Monterey County
• Sacramento County
• Alameda County
• Los Angeles County (three winners)
• San Francisco
• Fresno County
• San Diego
• San Mateo County
• Santa Clara County (two winners)
• Riverside County
• Orange County
• Kern County

Friday's randomized drawing is part of California’s new $116.5 million Vax for the Win program – which the state boasts is the largest vaccine incentive program in the nation – which includes $50 incentive cards to newly vaccinated residents and cash prize drawings for all who have received at least one dose.

"California has made incredible progress in the fight against COVID-19, with the lowest case rates in the entire country and millions more vaccines administered than any other state. But we aren't stopping there, we're doing everything it takes to get Californians vaccinated as we approach June 15 to help us safely reopen and bring the state roaring back,” said Governor Newsom.

“We are making another push to get more Californians vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “With more than 70 percent of adults having already received at least one dose, the Vax for the Win program is the creative approach we need to make that final push for those who remain unvaccinated.”

But not everyone is applauding the governor's program. Governor Newsom's Facebook page was met with much criticism.

"Waste of our taxpayer dollars! Please recall this clown who has cost the lives of tens of thousands of Californians and California businesses. All while he keeps his businesses running and operates under executive orders through his emergency powers that he refuses to end. Tyranny," wrote one Facebook user.

Wrote another: "I find this very unfair as most of us seniors got our shots without this incentive. All shots should be given to all who want them, and not as a "reward" for doing what one should to save lives. This money could be better spent than doing this."

Piling no the criticism someone wrote: "The government of California (specifically the executive branch Gavin Newsom is participating in and promoting what appears to be an UNCONSTITUTIONAL act by specifically excluding an entire group of people based on a medical condition. Those who have already had COVID-19 (which could be 10% or more of the population) do not need to get the vaccine! Unless they are given an alternative means of participating in this lottery, then they are being discriminated against!"

But there were some supportive comments including this one, " Thanks for trying to keep Californians safe. The COVID Lottery is a great incentive in an attempt to reach much needed HERD IMMUNITY. I wish more people understood the difference between a Pandemic and Seasonal viruses.

The official rules state that winners must complete their vaccination in order to claim their prize. If someone under 18 wins, the cash will be put in a savings account for them until they turn 18. For more information about Vax for the Win, please the state has set up this site https://covid19.ca.gov/vax-for-the-win.

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