Minnesota Launches Incentive Program To Get COVID Vaccine

(KNSI) – Minnesotans who get vaccinated between now and the end of June could be eligible for everything from state park passes, fishing licenses, St. Cloud Rox tickets, and tickets to various summer attractions and events.

Governor Tim Walz is releasing details on Minnesota’s ‘Your Shot to Summer,’ COVID-19 vaccine incentive campaign.

“Summer is here, vaccines are working, and we are still going full steam ahead finding ways to keep our communities safe,” said Governor Walz. “We’ve had great success in our state so far with more than 2.5 million Minnesotans fully vaccinated, and we want to build on that success and get the broad community protection needed for everyone to have the fun, safe summer they want. Whether it’s fishing, exploring our state parks, taking the family to a ball game or the Minnesota State Fair, we want to help get you there safely. So roll up your sleeves, make that vaccine appointment, and pick your reward, Minnesota – this is your shot to summer.”

Walz is encouraging Minnesotans to get their COVID-19 vaccine by June 30.

The goal is to get 70% of Minnesotans 16 years of age and older vaccinated by July 1.

The first 100,000 Minnesotans who get their first shot between May 27 and June 30 will be able to choose a reward.

Walz will address the state at 2 p.m. on Thursday about the vaccine incentive program.

Some of the other awards include:

Great Lakes Aquarium Pass

Eligible for one entrance to the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. Valid until July 1, 2023. The Minnesota Department of Health will provide recipients’ contact information to the Aquarium, which will mail tickets to Minnesotans who select this option.

Mall of America Nickelodeon Universe Pass

Eligible for a 30-point ride pass at Nickelodeon Universe that can be redeemed through September 1, 2021. The Minnesota Department of Health will provide recipients’ contact information to Mall of America, who will send information to redeem the pass.

Minnesota Fishing License

Eligible for one individual Minnesota resident annual fishing license effective through February 2022. Must be redeemed by July 30, 2021. The recipient must be eligible to hold a Minnesota fishing license. The Minnesota Department of Health will provide recipients’ contact information to the Department of Natural Resources, which will reach out to Minnesotans to complete their fishing license application.

Minnesota State Parks Pass

Eligible for one Minnesota State Parks annual pass. Minnesotans will receive the pass in the mail from the Department of Natural Resources. The Minnesota Department of Health will provide recipients’ contact information to the Department of Natural Resources, which will mail the State Parks pass.

Minnesota Zoo Admission

Eligible for one adult admission at the Minnesota Zoo through September 8. The Minnesota Department of Health will provide recipients’ contact information to the Minnesota Zoo, which will email Minnesotans to redeem their admission.

Northwoods Baseball League Tickets

Eligible for one reserved ticket to attend a Northwoods League baseball game during the 2021 season. The Minnesota Department of Health will provide recipients’ contact information to the Northwoods League, and Minnesotans will call the ticket office of the team they select and provide their full name and address for verification to reserve their ticket. Tickets are based on availability at the time of calling. Participating teams include the Rochester Honkers, Willmar Stingers, Mankato MoonDogs, St. Cloud Rox, and the Duluth Huskies.

State Fair Tickets

Eligible for two admission tickets to the 2021 Minnesota State Fair. The Minnesota Department of Health will provide recipients’ contact information to the State Fair, which will email tickets no later than July 16, 2021.

Valleyfair Single-Day Admission

Valid for one Valleyfair admission ticket and the chance to purchase additional tickets for the same date at a discounted rate during the 2021 season. The Minnesota Department of Health will provide a unique code via email for Minnesotans to redeem this offer.

Visa Card

Eligible for a $25 Visa Card to be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Minnesotans will receive the cards by mail or email from the Minnesota Department of Health or a State of Minnesota Vendor.

To be eligible for the vaccination rewards, Minnesotans 12 years of age and older must receive their first dose between May 27, 2021, and June 30, 2021. Beginning June 1, 2021, Minnesotans can verify their first dose and indicate their preferred vaccine reward at mn.gov/covid19/summer.

Rewards will be available for the first 100,000 requests made by eligible Minnesotans. Reward requests must be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021, and will be fulfilled on a rolling basis throughout June 2021 and no later than July 16, 2021.

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