Getting vaccine could lead to $100K scholarship in Ohio

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced his state’s new “Vax to School” program on Thursday in an effort to incentivize young people to get vaccines.

The governor referred to vaccines as “our ticket out of this pandemic” at his press conference.

Through the program, Ohioans between ages 12-25 could win a $100,000 college scholarship if they get their COVID-19 vaccine, the governor said.

A total of five $100,000 scholarships and 50 $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to eligible young people, the governor added.

DeWine noted that scholarships could be used for any kind of education. People who have already received their COVID-19 vaccine are also eligible for the program.

In citing vaccination rates in his state by age group, DeWine said that older populations were notably more vaccinated than younger groups.

“I urge our younger Ohioans who have not yet received a first vaccine dose to do so,” DeWine said.

More than 75 percent of Ohioans ages 60-64 have been vaccinated compared to about 47 percent of those ages 20-29, according to data shown at the press conference.