California offers $427.9 million in cash prizes for all vaccinated

California is offering the nation's largest vaccine prize money to get millions more inoculated as the state is prepared to fully reopen its economy on June 15.

The move by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is part of an effort to boost vaccinations before the state's reopening next month.

Ten Californians who become inoculated before that date stand to win prizes of $1.5 million each, while another 30 people will apiece win $50,000.

In addition, residents over 12 and older who has received at least one shot will be eligible too, even if they have already received their shot.

Following the initiative started on Thursday, the first two million Californians to become vaccinated will each win $50 gift cards for cash or groceries.

Dr. Tomas Aragon, director of the California Department of Public Health stated , "Some Californians weren't ready to get their COVID-19 vaccine on day one, and that's OK" adding that this program is designed to encourage those who need extra support to get vaccinated and help keep the state safe.

Interestingly, people who became vaccinated since the drive started will be entered into drawings for the larger prizes.

The incentives are being offered as Newsom is fighting off a recall campaign that has become a cause celebre among Republicans nationwide.

"Getting every eligible Californian vaccinated is how we bring our state roaring back from this pandemic," Newsom said.

Across the United States (US), states and private organizations have offered incentives to persuade people to become inoculated against COVID-19, which has killed nearly 3.7 people worldwide.

The incentives range from free baseball tickets and beer, to college scholarships and cash.

Earlier in May, Serbia announced that it would pay $30 (3,000 dinars) to every citizen who will get a coronavirus vaccine, becoming world's first country to initiate cash-for-jabs scheme.

Meanwhile, some of the experts believe that the scheme of stimulating vaccination drives with money could be a double-edged sword. As it could raise doubts like “if the state is paying me to do something it is telling me is for my own good, then something is fishy”.