Updated:: Aug 16, 2021
Original:: Aug 16, 2021

Walz extends $100 vaccine incentive program through next week

According to Walz's office, 55,456 Minnesotans have applied for $100 Visa the gift card after receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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vaccine, covid — Credit: Maryland National Guard via Flickr

Gov. Tim Walz will extend Minnesota’s $100 vaccine incentive program another week, his office announced Sunday.

The program, which offers a $100 Visa gift card to Minnesotans receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, began July 30 and was due to expire on Sunday. It will now extend through Aug. 22.

According to Walz’s announcement, 55,456 Minnesotans have received their vaccine since the program began and applied for the gift card. The state’s weekly rate of first doses has also increased 129% over the last month.

More than 30,000 Minnesotans signed up for the incentive in the first five days of the program. Counties with the highest rate of participation in the program per capita are among those with the lowest vaccine rates, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

“Great news, Minnesota: You have more time to get $100 just for rolling up your sleeves,” Walz said in a statement.

“With the Delta variant pushing cases up across the country, including right here in Minnesota, we’ve entered a new phase in the battle against COVID-19. The vaccines are the way we fight back against the virus. Get your first dose today and get $100. Simple as that.”

Walz initially authorized $2.5 million from the American Rescue Plan to pay for the program. An additional $13.8 million has since been approved for the program.

It'll mean double bonuses for anyone who gets vaccinated in Ramsey County.

Last week, the county launched its own $100 vaccine incentive that's open to all Minnesotans, meaning this can be combined with the state incentive for a $200 total, now that the state offer has been extended.

According to the latest data from the state, around 54% of Minnesota’s total population has received the full vaccine series. Around 92% of residents age 65 and older have received at least one dose, while around 70% of residents 16 and older have received at least one dose.

You can find a walk-in vaccine or make an appointment here: VaccineConnector.mn.gov.