(The Center Square) — The next 100,000 Minnesotans who receive a first COVID-19 vaccine can claim a prize, thanks to a campaign from Gov. Tim Walz.
The governor’s plan is an incentive intended to inject 70% of Minnesotans 16 and older by July 1.
The first 100,000 Minnesotans who get their first shot between May 27 and June 30 can choose from nine cost-free incentives.
“Summer is here, vaccines are working, and we are still going full steam ahead finding ways to keep our communities safe,” Walz said in a statement.
“We’ve had great success in our state so far with more than 2.5 million Minnesotans fully vaccinated, and we want to build on that success and get the broad community protection needed for everyone to have the fun, safe summer they want. Whether it’s fishing, exploring our state parks, taking the family to a ball game or the Minnesota State Fair, we want to help get you there safely,” he added.
Minnesotans who get their first COVID-19 vaccine dose from May 27 through June 30 will be eligible to choose their preferred vaccine reward from the nine options listed below:
Great Lakes Aquarium Pass
Eligible for one entrance to the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. Valid until July 1, 2023. The Minnesota Department of Health will provide recipients’ contact information to the Aquarium, which will mail tickets to Minnesotans who select this option.
Mall of America Nickelodeon Universe Pass
Eligible for a 30-point ride pass at Nickelodeon Universe redeemable through Sept. 1, 2021. The Minnesota Department of Health will provide recipients’ contact information to Mall of America, who will send more information.
Minnesota Fishing License
Eligible for one individual Minnesota resident annual fishing license effective through February 2022. Must be redeemed by July 30, 2021. The recipient must be eligible to hold a Minnesota fishing license. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will provide recipients’ contact information to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which will reach out to Minnesotans to complete their fishing license application.
Minnesota State Parks Pass
Eligible for one Minnesota State Parks annual pass. The DNR will mail the pass.
Minnesota Zoo Admission
Eligible for one adult admission at the Minnesota Zoo through September 8. MDH will provide recipients’ contact information to the Minnesota Zoo, which will email Minnesotans redemption information.
Northwoods Baseball League Tickets
Eligible for one reserved ticket to attend a Northwoods League baseball game during the 2021 season. MDH will provide recipients’ contact information to the Northwoods League, and Minnesotans will call the ticket office of the team they select and provide their full name and address for verification to reserve their ticket. Tickets are based on availability at the time of calling. Participating teams include the Rochester Honkers, Willmar Stingers, Mankato MoonDogs, St. Cloud Rox and the Duluth Huskies.
State Fair Tickets
Eligible for two admission tickets to the 2021 Minnesota State Fair. MDH will provide recipients’ contact information to the State Fair, which will email tickets no later than July 16, 2021.
Valleyfair Single-Day Admission
Valid for one Valleyfair admission ticket and the chance to purchase additional tickets for the same date at a discounted rate during the 2021 season. MDH will provide a unique code via email for Minnesotans to redeem this offer.
Visa Card
Eligible for a $25 Visa Card to be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Minnesotans will receive the cards by mail or email from the MDH or a State of Minnesota Vendor.
To be eligible for the vaccination rewards, Minnesotans 12 years of age and older must receive their first dose between May 27, 2021, and June 30, 2021.
Rewards will be available for the first 100,000 requests made by eligible Minnesotans. Reward requests must be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021, and will be fulfilled on a rolling basis through June 2021 and no later than July 16, 2021.
Scott McClallen
Scott McClallen is a staff writer covering Michigan and Minnesota for The Center Square. A graduate of Hillsdale College, his work has appeared on Forbes.com and FEE.org. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst at Pepsi.
