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Winner of first $250K in state vaccine lottery claims prize

SEATTLE — The first winner in Washington state’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery has claimed his $250,000 prize.

The man was only identified by Washington State Lottery officials Thursday as Lance R.

In a statement he said he “got lucky,” and encouraged others to get vaccinated not only to have a chance at winning money, but to protect the community.

There will be three more weekly drawings for $250,000, and one vaccinated Washingtonian will win a $1 million grand prize. Winners have 72 hours from the time of notice to call lottery officials back and claim their prize or they will be disqualified from winning. Unclaimed prizes from the first four drawings will be placed in the fifth and final drawing.