COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Health has opened registration for the state's Vax-2-School program. 

On Friday, the state announced more kids may now win college scholarships as it doubles down on its new vaccine incentive program.

What You Need To Know

  • The Vax-2-School lottery upped its prizes to $2 million from the original $1 million

  • Prizes are $10,000 or a $100,000 scholarship

  • Those aged 5 to 11 years old may get to join if the FDA approves the vaccine for their use

  • Registration begins Oct. 4

"Today, we are announcing that Ohio Vax-2-School will double the prizes from the $1 million announced by Gov. [Mike] DeWine to $2 million in total prizes," said Ohio Dept. of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff.

Ohioans ages 12-25 may sign up online at www.ohiovax2school.com or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Vanderhoff said he thinks the sound of more money can echo loud enough to get more kids vaccinated. Vanderhoff said it worked for adults during the Vax-a-Million program pointing to the more than 3 million people that entered the $1 million contest.

"They really are helpful in getting people to move from that contemplative, or being on the fence, to making the decision that 'Yeah. I think I'm going to go ahead now,’" Vanderhoff said.

Vax-a-Million helped boost Ohio's vaccination rate for a couple weeks, but then it plateaued.

Starting Monday, anyone ages 12-25 who at least got their first shot can enter to win a $10,000 or $100,000 scholarship. There will be 150 of the $10,000 variety given out and five $100,000 scholarships awarded.​

Vanderhoff said he hopes incentivizing the vaccine will slow the spread of COVID-19 for kids and young adults who have been the slowest and most hesitant to get vaccinated.

"Being young is not an automatic ticket out from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. Vaccination, however, is your ticket for outstanding protection," said Vanderhoff.

Vanderhoff said if the FDA gives Pfizer the go-ahead to start vaccinating 5- to 11-year-olds, then they can enter the contest too.

“It seemed given how close it appears we likely are to 5- to 11-year-olds having the opportunity to be vaccinated, it really seemed prudent and right to give them the chance to participate," said Vanderhoff.

The Ohio Lottery Commission will choose winners randomly like it did for Vax-a-Million no later than the end of the year.

DeWine said the state will use federal coronavirus relief money to foot the bill.​

A deadline to enter and drawing dates have not been announced.​​​