West Virginia is giving away rifles, shotguns and Ford F-150 pickup trucks to motivate residents to get the experimental Covid mRNA injections.
According to published reports, about 40% of the state’s residents have received the mRNA vaccine. Only 33% are fully vaccinated.
West Virginia plans to offer prizes, such as cash, including a $1 million jackpot, F-150 trucks, shotguns, AR-15 rifles, and other perks if residents roll up their sleeves.
Gov. Jim Justice previously offered free Shake Shack fries and measly million-dollar lotteries to boost vaccine participation. But, so far, it hasn’t worked.
“I said it before, but I can’t stand to have Ohio get ahead of us on anything,” he said. “There are going to be so many wonderful prizes that you can win, it will blow you away.”
According to the CDC, as of Wednesday, nearly 51% of adults in the U.S. had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 41% were fully vaccinated.
West Virginia ranks 43rd of the U.S. states in vaccinations. Neighboring Ohio ranks 32nd.
