On Thursday, Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota is joining the Biden Administration’s initiative to provide $100 to all Minnesotans age 12 and older who roll up their sleeves and get their COVID-19 vaccine from July 30 through August 15. With the Delta variant pushing cases up in Minnesota and across the country, the Governor is joining a national effort – outlined in the President’s speech today – to fight the rise of COVID-19 as fall approaches and students go back to school.
“President Biden is calling for a nationwide push to make sure our families and communities are vaccinated and protected against COVID-19 and the Delta variant, and Minnesota is ready to join the effort,” said Governor Walz. “We have made so much progress to combat this virus. We cannot give up ground now, especially with students returning to the classroom this fall. Getting paid $100 to keep your family safe is a pretty good deal – all you have to do is roll up your sleeves.”
Minnesotans 12 years of age and older who receive their first dose between Friday, July 30 and Sunday, August 15, 2021 will be eligible for a $100 Visa gift card. Beginning Wednesday, August 4, Minnesotans can verify their first dose and claim their $100 at: mn.gov/covid19. More details will be announced soon.
Governor Walz will authorize up to $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding to start up the program, will seek legislative approval for additional funding to sustain the program for its duration, and will work with the State Legislature, foundations, and nonprofits on a public-private partnership to stand up a subsequent grant program to provide Minnesotans, especially those in vulnerable and underserved communities, real-time incentives to get their shot.
How Minnesotans can get their Free Shot:
- Walk in or make an appointment through the Vaccine Connector: VaccineConnector.mn.gov.
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- Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
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- 1-833-431-2053
- Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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- Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp.
- Check for vaccine appointments using the Vaccine Finder on https://www.vaccines.gov/ You can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
- Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
- Employers may also reach out with information about vaccination opportunities.
How Minnesotans can get a Free COVID-19 Test:
- Order a test through the state’s no-cost at-home COVID-19 testing program: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html
- Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map: https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/index.jsp
- Walk-in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s no-cost community testing sites across Minnesota: https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/community-testing.jsp
