Nearly 500K sign up for state vaccine lottery

Mike Parson: MO VIP program is working.

Gov. Mike Parson's office announced nearly 500,000 people have signed up for the COVID-19 vaccine lottery to date.

The MO VIP program is designed to incentivize vaccines among the state's population, as well as reward those who already have been vaccinated. As of Aug. 13, there were 495,296 entries, according to a news release.

“MO VIP is playing a role in driving up vaccinations in our state,” Parson said in the release. “We’re excited to celebrate the winners and their choice to become vaccinated against COVID-19.”

Since the MO VIP launch on July 21, more than 300,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, state officials say. During the same time period, roughly 180,000 individuals initiated the vaccination process.

Through MO VIP, 900 Missourians are slated to receive $10,000 apiece. The first drawing was scheduled Friday, though a list of winners was not disclosed.

In District 7, which includes Springfield, 59,477 had signed up as of Aug. 13, according to the release.