Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have taken decisive action to curb the spread of COVID-19, support health care providers and facilities, and mitigate the impact on Minnesota families. On this page you will find the latest press releases, statements, and other information on COVID-19.
Experiences were donated from some of the biggest names in the Minnesota sports and entertainment industries. All fully vaccinated 12-17-year-olds eligible to enter for a chance to win experience drawings in addition to $100,000 college scholarship.
11/2/2021 8:33:38 AM
[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today, Governor Tim Walz announced an initial lineup of Minnesota experiences that will be awarded to winners of the weekly drawings for the ‘ Kids Deserve a Shot ’ vaccine incentives campaign. Minnesota experiences were donated from some of the biggest names in the sports and entertainment industries to encourage Minnesotans ages 12-17 to roll up their sleeves and get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“It takes all of us to fight COVID-19, and every shot in the arm is critical to curbing the spread and saving lives,” said Governor Walz. “We need all Minnesotans 12-17 to join us. From first pitch to First Ave, you can win an amazing experience for simply getting fully vaccinated. I am so grateful for our incredible partners in Minnesota’s sports and entertainment industries encouraging kids to roll up their sleeves and support our fight against COVID-19.”
“We are committed to doing everything we can to keep our kids and community safe during this pandemic, and Minnesota’s sports and entertainment industries are stepping up to help us do so,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I hope our kids and young people are as excited about these incentives as I am about making sure they’re protected from COVID. It’s easy: get fully vaccinated and get your shot at one of these incredible rewards.”
All fully vaccinated 12-17-year-olds can enter for a chance to win the drawings below:
Minnesota experiences will be divided up and drawn across all five drawing weeks from November 19 — December 17. Minnesotans can refer to the official drawing rules online to see which experiences will be drawn each week.
Parents/guardians can enter their children for a chance to win these experiences and a $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship at https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/vaccine-rewards/kids-deserve-a-shot/ .
Drawing |
Drawing Date |
Entry Deadline |
1 |
November 19 |
November 15 |
2 |
November 29 |
November 22 |
3 |
December 3 |
November 29 |
4 |
December 10 |
December 6 |
5 |
December 17 |
December 13 |
Parents/guardians must enter their 12-17-year-old by the entry deadline to be eligible for the following drawing(s). Once a kid is entered, they will be included in all following drawings. The drawings will be conducted by the Minnesota State Lottery. Additional experiences may be announced in the coming weeks.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Director Michelle Furrer said, “Como’s core audience is kids and if by providing these unique experiences encourages families to roll up their sleeves, the faster we can get back to providing normal visits to our favorite places like Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. A few lucky teens can see what it’s like to be a zookeeper for a day and learn what it takes to provide daily care and conservation for all the creatures of Como Zoo.”
First Avenue Productions President and CEO Dayna Frank said, “First Avenue encourages everyone eligible for the vaccine to get their shots. Live music should be safe for everyone, and getting vaccinated helps keep live music going. All First Avenue venues require proof of vaccination or a negative test for entry, so each of these ticket packages will let vaccinated winners into the concerts for an incredible night of live music.”
Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx CEO Ethan Casson said, “In continued partnership with Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health, ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ is another critical step forward in vaccinating our youth to decrease the spread of COVID-19. We hope our young people are encouraged to get vaccinated and win a unique experience in the process.”
Minnesota Twins Vice President of Community Engagement Nancy O’Brien said, “Helping our kids safely engage in school and play by getting them vaccinated is of critical importance for all Minnesotans. We’re proud to come together with Governor Tim Walz and our fellow sports teams to support this crucial effort against COVID-19.”
Minnesota United CEO Shari Ballard said, “Minnesota United is proud to partner with Governor Walz on the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ program. We have been consistent in our view that vaccination is unequivocally the most important step that can be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and avoid significant illness. We are thrilled to be able to offer this fun, one of a kind experience as an incentive for our young Loons fans to become vaccinated.”
Minnesota Wild President Matt Majka said, “We are excited to donate some fun items and experiences from the Minnesota Wild to help encourage children in the State of Hockey to get vaccinated.”
St. Paul Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager Derek Sharrer said, “The St. Paul Saints organization is proud to be a small part of the incredible work that MDH is doing as they get the message out on the importance of vaccinations among children and youth in Minnesota. We have worked closely with the Governor’s task force and MDH since 2020 and will continue to help wherever we can.”
Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge Co-Owners Paul and Sue Schurke said, "Our furry 4-legged friends look forward to gifting you the winter ride of your life in exchange for your gift of good health by getting vaccinated."
REMINDER: The deadline for 12-17-year-olds to get their first shot and be eligible for the $200 Visa gift card is Tuesday, November 9. Minnesotans 12-17 years old who start and complete their two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series between October 18 and November 30 are eligible to receive a $200 Visa gift card. Minnesotans can learn more at the Kids Deserve a Shot webpage .
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