Governor Announces Kids Deserve a Shot Youth Vaccination Incentive Program

(KNSI) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Monday launched Kids Deserve a Shot vaccine incentive program for 12 to 17-year-olds.

A press release from the governor’s office says the program consists of two sets of rewards: a $200 Visa gift card for 12-17-year-olds who start and complete their vaccine series over the next six weeks, and five drawings of $100,000 Minnesota college scholarships for any Minnesotan 12-17 years old with a complete vaccine series.

In the release, Walz says, “Our administration is dedicated to doing everything we can to keep our kids safe during this pandemic – and that includes working to get as many Minnesotans vaccinated as possible. We’re launching this program to help reward teens for doing their part by getting fully vaccinated and keeping our schools, community, and state safe. If you haven’t started your vaccine series yet, do it now and get $200 in your pocket. And to every Minnesota teen across the state: Get fully vaccinated and get your shot at a $100,000 college scholarship.”

“To keep our schools safe for kids of all ages, we need our teens who are eligible now to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Our children deserve a shot of protection from these safe, effective vaccines, and kids deserve a shot at these amazing rewards.”

According to the most recent data, as of October 14th, 34% of 12 to 15-year-olds in Sherburne and Stearns Counties are fully vaccinated. Forty percent of 16 and 17-year-olds in Stearns County have gotten their complete series, compared with 38% in Sherburne County. In Benton County, 31% of 12 to 15-year-olds and 41% of 16 and 17-year-olds are fully vaccinated. In Morrison County, the numbers are even lower at 22% of 12 to 15-year-olds, and 27% of 16 and 17-year-olds are fully vaccinated. Wright County shows 37% of 12 to 15-year-olds, and 45% of 16 and 17-year-olds are fully vaccinated.

Statewide, 70.7% of the 16 and older population is vaccinated.

Kids Deserve a Shot program details, rules, and registration can be found by clicking here.

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