The Manitoba government and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries are reminding Manitobans that they still have a chance to win one of many cash prizes in Manitoba’s first ever ‘Vax to Win Lottery’, if they get their first vaccine shot on or before Aug. 2.

“The sooner all eligible Manitobans get fully vaccinated, the sooner we can all get our lives back,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “As a government, we have done everything we can to bolster vaccine availability and accessibility, and to give Manitobans the information and support they need to roll up their sleeve – not once, but twice – and get fully vaccinated. We are close to achieving all of our vaccination milestones. Now we just need that extra effort by every Manitoban not yet vaccinated to roll up their sleeve and push us across the finish line so we can safely reopen, fully.”

“We’re thrilled to play a key part of this very important public health campaign,” said Manny Atwal, president and CEO of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. “We’re protecting ourselves, our families and our communities so that we can reopen things faster. People are getting out to receive their shots and are excited about a chance to win. This campaign is not just our corporate responsibility, it’s our pleasure.”

For people looking to be vaccinated right away, tomorrow all 10 vaccine super sites in the province will be offering walk-ins only, with 8,000 doses of Pfizer earmarked for youth between 12 and 17 years old. To find an immunization location or to book an appointment on a different date, visit protectmb.ca.

The premier noted that Manitobans doing their part can really pay off and there are up to $2 million in prizes is up for grabs:

  • six $100,000 prizes (Winnipeg Regional Health Authority);
  • eight $100,000 prizes (Southern Health-Santé-Sud, Prairie Mountain Health, Interlake-Eastern and Northern health regions); and
  • 20 $25,000 scholarships (youth 12 to 17 years of age).

For the $100,000 prizes, all Manitoban residents age 18 and older are automatically entered to win the August draw, if they’ve received their first dose on or before Aug. 2, and the September draw if they’ve received their second dose on or before Sept. 6.

Both draws will award three prizes in Winnipeg and one prize in each regional health authority.

For a $25,000 scholarship trust, all Manitoba youth aged 12 to 17 are automatically entered to win the August draw if they’ve received their first dose on or before Aug. 2 and the September draw if they’ve received their second dose on or before Sept. 6.

Both draws will award 10 scholarships to eligible participants regardless of regional health authority.

Atwal reviewed some Vax to Win facts:

  • Over 76.3 per cent of Manitobans are eligible to win the first draw because they got their first shot already.
  • If Manitobans get their first vaccine on or before Aug. 2, they are automatically entered.
  • Vaccine appointments can be booked at protectmb.ca and there will be announcements for last-minute pop-ups closer to the draw date.
  • The second draw deadline is Sept. 6 and Manitobans will need to have both shots to enter.

Atwal also outlined the mechanics of the August lottery draw:

  • Manitobans need to get their first shot on or before Aug. 2.
  • All vaccine data is entered into the provincial system (within two to three days).
  • Health numbers are then encrypted so they cannot be attributed to an individual.
  • Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries will draw randomized numbers:  three from Winnipeg, one from each regional health authority and 10 for youth ages 12 to 17.
  • Numbers are provided to Manitoba Health, where they are correlated to a name and contact info.
  • Winners will be contacted within five days (phone, email, in person). If they cannot be reached after numerous attempts, that prize will be added to the September draw.

Manitobans who may not wish to participate in the Vax to Win lottery campaign can opt out by visiting vaxtowin.ca.