DeKalb County resident among first in Illinois to win COVID-19 vaccine lottery

SPRINGFIELD – A DeKalb County resident is among the first four in Illinois to win money through the Illinois Lottery’s ‘All In for the Win’ COVID-19 vaccine lottery.

According to a news release from Gov. JB Pritzker’s office Thursday evening, a DeKalb County resident won a $150,000 scholarship, along with winners in Suburban Cook County and Chicago.

The scholarships will go to a resident aged 12 to 17 through the Bright Start Scholarship, meant for higher education opportunities.

The winner of the first $1 million lottery cash prize is from Chicago.

“Getting vaccinated is your shot to save lives and win big,” said Pritzker in a statement. “Especially with more dangerous variants spreading, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19. I’m excited we’re able to offer enticing prizes to reward residents for getting the shot.”

The vaccine lottery was announced by Pritzker’s office as a way to encourage Illinoisans who haven’t already to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“With 10 million additional reasons to get a COVID-19 vaccine, we hope to increase the number of Illinoisans who make the importance choice to secure the best protection against COVID-19 by getting vaccinated,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in a statement. “We are seeing an increase in the test positivity rate in Illinois. With the more contagious Delta variant circulating, we need more people to be fully vaccinated to better control this pandemic.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health will be notifying winners by phone or email starting this afternoon. The first round of winners are from the following locations across Illinois:

• $1 million cash prize: Chicago

• $150,000 scholarship: DeKalb County

• $150,000 scholarship: Suburban Cook

• $150,000 scholarship: Chicago

Illinoisans from those cities and counties should keep their phones on and check their emails regularly to find out if they’ve won. IDPH will call from 312-814-3524 and or email DPH.communications@illinois.gov. No personal information will be requested in the initial phone or email notification. Winners will have seven days to securely complete, sign and send the authorization form to IDPH to accept their prizes. The Illinois Lottery will then guide winners through the claims process.

Winners will be announced eight days after each draw unless they choose to remain anonymous.

For more information on the prizes and schedule of the ‘All In for the Win’ vaccine lottery, visit allin.illinois.gov.