[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced the registration form is now open for parents to claim their $200 Visa gift card for vaccinating their 5- to 11-year-old children. Minnesota families whose 5- to 11-year-olds receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in January and February are eligible to receive a $200 gift card.

Minnesota is a national leader in vaccinating this youngest eligible age group – according to the Mayo Clinic , Minnesota is first in the Midwest and 6th in the country for fully-vaccinated 5- to 11-year-olds.

But getting as many eligible Minnesotans vaccinated as possible is critical to keeping Minnesota families safe and children in school.

Earlier this month, the Walz-Flanagan Administration launched the “Kids Deserve A Shot” program to help boost child vaccination rates. After announcing the program on January 11, first-dose vaccination rates for 5- to 11-year-olds increased by 14 percent week over week.

“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,” said Governor Walz. “Getting children vaccinated in 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.”

“Minnesota families can now register for a $200 gift card when they get their children 5-11 years old both doses of the vaccine in January and February,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “With the spring semester in full swing, it’s vital parents use this important tool to keep their kids safer from COVID-19. Not only will parents have peace of mind when their kids get the vaccine, but, starting now, they can get $200.”

Registration for the $200 Visa gift card opened at 10:00 am on January 24 and will close at 11:59 pm on February 28, 2022. Parents or guardians can register their 5- to 11-year-old once they have completed their two-dose series.

Minnesota parents can learn more about the “Kids Deserve A Shot” program and register their eligible children here .

$100,000 Minnesota College Scholarship Drawings
Later this spring, there will be drawings for five $100,000 Minnesota college scholarships for all Minnesotans 5-11 years old who are fully vaccinated. All Minnesotans 5-11 years old who completed their first and second doses at any point up to the registration deadline will be eligible to be entered for a chance to win a $100,000 college scholarship. Details on the drawings will be announced in the coming months.

How Minnesotans can get their free shot:

• Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find vaccine providers near you.
• Parents can also visit mn.gov/vaxforkids .
• Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov , where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
• Contact your or your child’s primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
• Walk in to or make an appointment at one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites .
• Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at schools or other community locations around Minnesota.

How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:

• Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free COVID-19 Community Testing Sites .
• Order a test through the state’s free COVID-19 Test at Home program .
• Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map .

Questions about COVID-19:

• Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline: 1-833-431-2053
  • Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.