Registration opens for $200 ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ vaccine incentive program

Minnesota parents can now claim $200 Visa gift cards for getting their kids vaccinated this month.

The "Kids Deserve a Shot" campaign is offering the incentive to families of children between ages 5 and 11 who receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine between January and February.

Minnesota ranks sixth in the country for vaccinating children ages 5-11 and first in the Midwest, according to data from Mayo Clinic. The state’s first-dose vaccination rate for children in this age group increased by 14% in the week after the $200 vaccine incentive program was announced, the governor’s office said in a news release.

“COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness in children. The shots help them stay safe while in school, gathering with their families, and playing with their friends,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement. “Getting children vaccinated is the best way to keep families safe from COVID-19 — and now, it’s the easiest way to get a Visa gift card. Get your child vaccinated and get $200. It’s that simple.”

Registration opened Monday morning and runs until 11:59 p.m. Feb. 28. Parents or guardians can register their children once they’ve gotten their second shot of the vaccine.

Parents can learn more about the program and register their children online.