REGIONAL- State officials are hoping Minnesotans who have dragged their feet in getting vaccinated against COVID-19 will find new incentive in the “Your Shot to Summer” rewards program that launched on Tuesday.
Announced last week by Gov. Tim Walz, the first 100,000 eligible people age 12 and older who get their first vaccine dose beginning May 27 will be eligible to receive one of the following rewards:
$25 VISA card
Minnesota State Fair tickets
Single-day admission to Valleyfair
Minnesota fishing license
Minnesota State Parks annual pass
One adult admission to the Minnesota Zoo
Pass for the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth
30-point ride pass at Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America
Northwoods Baseball League Tickets.
The online application portal for rewards, mn.gov/covid19/summer, was activated on Tuesday.
“Requests are open and we’re ready to give out some rewards,” said Walz. “We know everyone’s excited to get to their summer plans — and if you get vaccinated now, we can help add another event to your calendar for free. Getting your shot now is easier than ever and the key to keeping our state safe for everyone. Help yourself, help our state, and take your shot to summer!”
The program kicks off as vaccine doses administered weekly continue to decline. Last week’s 126,539 doses administered is off 70 percent from the high registered in early April. Progress toward the state’s goal of having 70 percent of those 16 and older with at least dose has also lagged, although Tuesday’s data showed the state is within five percent of reaching the goal.
Numerous states have implemented incentive programs for vaccinations, with rewards as diverse as lottery tickets, chances for college scholarships, and free beer. Preliminary reviews of incentive programs suggest that cash payments could be more effective than other reward options, but no definitive research has yet been conducted.