Minnesota to give away prizes to people who get vaccinated

A man stands at a podium with a football field behind him.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, left, receives the COVID-19 vaccination from Kelly Robinson, president of the Twin Cities chapter of Black Nurses Rock at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minn., on the first day all Minnesotans age 16 and older are eligible on Tuesday, March 30.
Tom Baker for MPR News

Gov. Tim Walz says the state plans to offer up swag in an attempt to get more people vaccinated for the coronavirus.

Walz is planning a trip to a Minnesota state park Thursday to announce incentives that will include Minnesota State Fair tickets, state park passes, fishing licenses and tickets to fairs and amusement parks. The first 100,000 people to get vaccinated between Memorial Day and the end of June will be eligible to pick prizes.

Walz spokesperson Teddy Tschann said the giveaways are meant “to ensure Minnesotans can enjoy the summer while staying safe and healthy.” It’s part of a campaign to help reach a goal of vaccinating 70 percent of Minnesotans over the age of 16 by July 1, Tschann said.

Vaccinations continue to climb in Minnesota, but at a much slower pace than in the early months of the state’s vaccine campaign. About 64 percent of Minnesotans 16 and older have gotten at least one shot.

Walz announced last week that the Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Lynx and Minnesota United FC are now offering free COVID-19 vaccines to attendees at games.

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