$200, College Scholarships Up For Grabs In New MN Vaccine Push

TWIN CITIES, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Monday announced a new vaccine incentive program that will reward Minnesotans between ages 12 and 17 for getting the shot.

During the "Kids Deserve a Shot" campaign, kids who complete their vaccine series over the next six weeks will receive $200 and their name will be entered into a drawing for a $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship.

There will be five drawings of $100,000 each.

"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," Walz said in a news release.

"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."

The program comes while the virus continues to spread in the state's K-12 schools. Nearly 500 schools have had recent COVID-19 outbreaks, according to the Minnesota Department of Heatlh.

Kids have by far the lowest vaccination rates of all eligible age groups in Minnesota. As of Monday, 50 percent of Minnesotans 12-15 — and less than 60 percent of Minnesotans 16-17 — are fully vaccinated.

Walz authorized $12.2 million in federal American Rescue Plan dollars to fund the program. Find out more about the rules of the program and how to register here.

"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 Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

"Our children deserve a shot of protection from these safe, effective vaccines, and kids deserve a shot at these amazing rewards."