With Pfizer's children's vaccine officially available for emergency use, some cities and states are looking to get as many of America's kids vaccinated. And they're getting creative with the process.
In NYC, kids who get their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine are eligible to claim $100 or get free tickets to some of the Big Apple's iconic attractions including the Statue of Liberty or even a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game. The city started the vaccine incentive program earlier this year when the vaccine became available for people over 12 years old.
"We really want kids to take advantage, families take advantage of that," Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday (November 4), CNN reported. "Everyone could use a little more money around the holidays. But, most importantly, we want our kids and our families to be safe."
NYC isn't the only city pulling out the prizes for virus protection. In Chicago, children ages five to 11 can receive a $100 gift card for getting their first dose when they get vaccinated at a city health clinic or events. The Windy City is shutting down schools on November 12 for Vaccine Awareness Day to get more kids vaccinated and to provide parents with additional information.
San Antonio, Texas is following suit with their own $100 gift card program valid at H-E-B grocery stores. Louisiana children can also claim $100 for getting their first shot.
Minnesota seems to have the highest-paying incentive program for children ages 12-17, awarding $200 cards and a chance to enter a $100,000 college scholarship raffle. Kids can also choose to enter a raffle for a Minnesota experience package, too.
At least 28 million children in the US are now eligible for the vaccine. Pfizer reported a 90.7% effectiveness rate for its one-third dose for kids under 12 who previously couldn't get the vaccine.
Experts are hoping the new eligibility and availability of the vaccine will continue to drive down new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
To learn more about the Covid-19 vaccine, please click here.
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