Covid vaccine: Philanthropists and corporations give out $1 million prize to one lucky Australian

Australians now have the chance to win a $1 million cash prize after getting the Covid vaccine which is being funded by 20 philanthropists and corporations. See how it works.

There are a million reasons why every Australian who is still unvaccinated against Covid-19 should get the jab this month.

In a campaign launched by around 20 philanthropists and corporations, one lucky Aussie will win $1 million dollars if they have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Dubbed the ‘Million Dollar Vax’, the initiative was created in a bid to drive the country’s vaccination rates throughout October and help fast-track the national rollout.

“A group of us throughout the Covid period have been working on Covid related issues and working on things like personal protective equipment and ventilators … basically helping where we can and it was voluntarily,” Craig Winkler, chair of the Million Dollar Vax alliance, said.

“The purpose of the promotion is not to convince people to be vaccinated. That’s a decision you should make in consultation with a health professional.

“The promotion simply seeks to reward people who decide to be vaccinated now rather than waiting …. and to help people who were thinking about getting the jab but hadn’t crossed that line yet.”

But it’s not just the million dollar prize up for grabs.

There will be 100 gift cards given out every day worth $1,000 throughout October, as well as the ultimate prize of $1 million dollars which will be drawn on November 5.

It comes as Australia is on track to receive more than nine million Pfizer and three million Moderna doses over the course of October, enough to fully vaccinate the population.

Philanthropy Australia CEO, Jack Heath, said the campaign was inspired by the successful Ohio ‘Vax-A-Million’ campaign in the United States, which gave $1 million to five lucky residents who had received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Philanthropy Australia CEO, Jack Heath.

He added that the overseas campaign saved an estimated $60 million in healthcare costs and saw an increase in the vaccine take-up.

“The Million Dollar Vax campaign is strategic philanthropy in action. A collaborative, targeted intervention that will save lives, ease the burden on healthcare workers, and benefit the wider community,” Mr Heath said.

Some of the generous donors include the Susan McKinnon foundation, Jasper foundation and the P&S Bassat foundation.

However, others have chosen to remain anonymous as they wanted the focus to be on “giving back to the community” rather than their contribution.

Entry into the Million Dollar Vax can be made at www.milliondollarvax.com.

All Australians aged 18 and over are eligible to enter, with those already vaccinated still eligible to win, provided both vaccinations have been received by six weeks after October 31, 2021.