Walz announces ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ vaccine incentive for Minnesotans 12-17-years-old

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(ABC 6 News) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Monday a new COVID vaccine incentive program that focuses on Minnesotans who are 12 to 17-years-old.

The program, ‘Kids Deserve a Shot,’ encourages those 12 through 17 to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The program offers two sets of rewards.

For full details on the program click here.

Those who start and complete their vaccination series over the next six weeks can get a $200 Visa gift card. There will also be five drawings of $100,000 in Minnesota scholarships for those 12 to 17-year-olds who complete their vaccine series.

“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,” said Governor Walz.

“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.”

The “Kids Deserve a Shot” program comes as the state continues to drive vaccination efforts and awareness across the state, with a focus on boosting vaccination among this least-vaccinated age group. It is designed to encourage teenagers to get vaccinated and increase vaccination rates among adolescents.

Currently, only 50% of Minnesotans 12-15 and less than 60% of Minnesotans 16-17 are fully vaccinated, the lowest vaccination rates of all eligible age groups.