New York and Other States Offering Children Money If They Get Vaccinated for COVID-19

Your kids could get a $100 gift card if they go and get vaccinated for COVID-19.

This past week, kids ages 5 to 11 were cleared to receive vaccination for the Coronavirus. And now, some states are jumping on the opportunity to pique families’ interests by offering children money if they get their first shot.

CNN reports New York will give children $100 if they prove they’ve received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. If they don’t want money, they can opt to get tickets to city attractions, including a trip to the Statue of Liberty or the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball team.

On Thursday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said he is hoping families jump on the opportunity. “We really want kids to take advantage; families take advantage of that,” he said. “Everyone could use a little more money around the holidays. But, most importantly, we want our kids and our families to be safe.”

And other cities are following a similar plan. If they get their shot at Chicago Public Health events or clinics, CNN reports, Chicago is also offering $100 gift cards to children in the 5 to 11 age range.

In Minnesota, officials launched the “Kids Deserve a Shot” program, which focuses on getting children vaccinated who are between the ages 12 and 17. The state says it will give a $200 visa card to kids who receive the vaccination, and they’ll also get the chance to win $100,000 by entering a raffle. San Antonio, Texas, is reportedly promising parents and guardians a $100 gift card for H-E-B grocery stores if they get their children aged 5 to 11 vaccinated.