Minnesota Rolls Out COVID-Vaccine Incentives For Kids 5-11

The program worked so well for older kids that now they're focusing on younger children. The State of Minnesota has rolled out their rebooted Kids Deserve A Shot incentive program - this time aimed at kids 5 to eleven years of age.

The program is designed to encourage Minnesota families that have younger children to make sure that everyone is fully-vaccinated against COVID-19.

Officials point out that Minnesota leads the country in vaccination numbers for that age group, the 5 to eleven demographic remains the "lowest rate of vaccination among eligible age groups in the state". This incentive program aims to change that.

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Under terms of the plan, Minnesota families that get their child 5-11 years old full-vaccinated in January and February can get a $200 VISA gift card. The registration process can begin once the two-dose series has been completed. In other words, you need to get your child age 5-11 their first and their second dose between January 1, 2022 and February 28, 2022.

Here are the important dates to remember:

January 24, 2022 - 10:00 AM: Registration opens
February 28, 2022 - 11:59 PM: Registration closes

A link to submit your registration information will be forthcoming from the State of Minnesota.

While the incentive program is open to all families in Minnesota, there are some important eligibility requirements.

Must be at least 5 years old at the time of one or both shots
Must be 11 or younger at the time of their first shot
Minnesotan's age 5-11 must receive both their first and their second doses between January 1, 2022 and February 28, 2022
Minnesota families are able to receive one $200 VISA gift card per eligible child, age 5 to 11

When the state released details of the vaccine plan, they also gave a "sneak peek" at a Minnesota College Scholarship Drawing incentive that will get rolled out at a later date this spring. The initial terms of that incentive detail that all Minnesotan's 5 to 11 years old who complete their first and second doses at any point in time will be eligible to be entered for a chance to win a $100,000 college scholarship.

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What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, you're handed a card that details the date, manufacturer variety, and location of your dose. If you're getting one of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you'll need that card to coordinate your second and final dose. But even with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and even after getting the second shot, you'll need to keep that card in a safe place.

While nationwide vaccine mandates aren't a thing at the present time, there are a variety of times you might need that card even after completing the vaccine process. Many schools (primary, secondary, and higher education) are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine similar to other vaccinations. Additionally, some entertainment venues and mass transportation are requiring either proof of a negative COVID test or the vaccine card.

So what happens if you lose it? Relax. There are ways of obtaining a replacement - and they differ slightly whether you've lost it before getting both doses or after.