Frequently Asked Questions: New York State Vax and Win

Read the frequently asked questions for the New York State Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New York State’s Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes?

New York State's Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes is a vaccine incentive program with all of New York’s football teams who are teaming up with the State to encourage eligible New Yorkers to get vaccinated.

New Yorkers who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on September 9, 2021, opening day for the football season, through October 24, 2021 can enter the Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes from the New York Giants, New York Jets, or Buffalo Bills, including game tickets for the whole family, special in-game experiences, signed football gear and more. Parents and legal guardians can enter for their eligible 12 – 17-year-old children.

Is a parent or legal guardian required to enter the sweepstakes on behalf of their minor child?

Yes. The entry form must be completed by a parent or legal guardian of each eligible minor, currently those ages 12 to 17. Verification of entry by a parent or legal guardian is required unless an eligible minor demonstrates proof of legal emancipation.

How long will New York State’s Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes run?

Drawings will take place weekly, and the winners will be announced each Wednesday, beginning September 29, 2021 and the final winner(s) will be announced on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. 

When is the deadline to enter the Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes?

The drawing schedule is below, and we encourage eligible New Yorkers to get vaccinated and enter as soon as possible for the greatest chance of winning. Your entry must be received by October 25, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT to be eligible for the final drawing.

Drawing Schedule:

Entry End Date 

Drawing Date 

Announcement date 

September 27, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT 

September 28, 2021 

September 29, 2021 

October 4, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT 

October 5, 2021 

October 6, 2021 

October 11, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT 

October 12, 2021 

October 13, 2021 

October 18, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT 

October 19, 2021 

October 20, 2021 

October 25, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT 

October 26, 2021 

October 27, 2021 

Once I submit an entry, am I eligible to win for each weekly drawing for the Team chosen?

Yes. Once you enter, your entry will be carried over through all New York State Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes drawings. All winners will be removed from the eligible draw list for subsequent drawings.

Can I only enter the Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes online?

Entry into the sweepstakes can be submitted online at ny.gov/vaxandwin. Individuals having trouble entering online may email [email protected] for assistance.

Can I enter the sweepstakes more than once?

Adults 18 years and older may only submit an entry once. A parent or legal guardian may submit one entry for each eligible child. Duplicate entries will be removed prior to the drawing being held.

How will I know if I have been officially entered into the Vax and Win Football sweepstakes?

An entry confirmation will be displayed immediately after a successful entry is submitted and an email confirmation will be emailed to the address provided on your entry submission.

Can I still enter if the vaccine was given in another state?

Yes. You may enter, but you will need to present acceptable proof of vaccination of one of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the FDA (Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Moderna.)

Does my child have to be vaccinated before I submit their entry or before the drawing takes place?

Yes. To qualify for the sweepstakes, your eligible child must have received the first dose of your COVID-19 vaccine between September 9 – October 24. The first COVID-19 vaccination must be received at least one day prior to submitting your entry for you and/or your child in order to be eligible.

I completed the registration for my child who received both doses of the vaccination, which date do I enter?  

You can use either date for your submission, provided the date of the vaccination is not later than the date of your entry and within the eligibility period September 9 through October 24, 2021.


Eligibility

New York State residents who are 12 years of age or older and have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine September 9, 2021 – October 24, 2021.


Prizes and Drawings

When will New York State Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes be conducted? When will the winners be announced?

The drawings will be conducted weekly, for five (5) weeks. Winners will be announced each Wednesday. The drawing announcement schedule can be found below.

Drawing Schedule 

Entry End Date

Drawing Date

Announcement date

September 27, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT

September 28, 2021

September 29, 2021

October 4, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT

October 5, 2021

October 6, 2021

October 11, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT

October 12, 2021

October 13, 2021

October 18, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT

October 19, 2021

October 20, 2021

October 25, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT

October 26, 2021

October 27, 2021

Am I responsible for any taxes on these prizes?

Winners are responsible for any tax liability resulting from receiving a prize under this program. Any questions regarding tax implications should be directed to a tax professional, the Internal Revenue Service or the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.


Winner Selection, Verification and Notification

How will winners be notified?

Winners will be contacted via the contact information provided on the entry form by representatives from the New York State Department of Health to verify eligibility.  Winners will be notified by 4 p.m. on the drawing dates listed.

How will the Department of Health verify vaccination?

By submitting an entry for the New York State Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes, you agree to allow the New York State Department of Health to access your vaccination records or if you are entering for a minor, the minor’s vaccination record. You may also be asked to provide the vaccination card for verification to the New York State Department of Health. Additional information is available in the Official Rules.

Who is responsible for the New York State Vax and Win Football Sweepstakes?

The New York State New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) serves as the lead administering agency for the sweepstakes and will oversee the drawings.

How will I be notified if I don’t have access to the internet?

If your entry is selected and you do not have access to the internet, you will be contacted via the contact information provided on your entry form by a State of New York official to verify eligibility. 


Contact Us

How to Get Help

Email us at [email protected]