A $100 Covid Shot
By Tim Rumsey, MD
COVID-19 is not yet done messing with us. The new Delta variant is more infectious, can be more severe, and has proven to be harmful to children under the age of 12 and adults with chronic health conditions.
An overwhelming majority of U.S. COVID-19 deaths in the intensive care unit are now unvaccinated persons.
Sick of hearing about COVID – COVID – COVID? It’s a heck of a lot better than Sick from COVID! Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical advisor to the president, sees “more pain and suffering” because of a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Yes, that Dr. Fauci. I believe Fauci.
COVID-19 shots are still about 90% effective at preventing severe disease.
“Get the shot!” and” Get $100!”
Minnesotans, 12 and over who get this first COVID-19 vaccination will be rewarded with Visa cards valued at $100. In June it was $25 Visa cards or incentives like State Fair tickets.
Participating residents must make an appointment and claim their reward at mn.gov/covid19/100. The card was available to the first 24,330 Minnesotans who qualified between July 30 and August 15. Vaccinated people protect those unable to vaccinate.
Time is of the essence. In-person school will be starting within a month. While a children’s COVID-19 shot is in development, it is not available to children under 12. To protect these kids, we need to get vaccinated!
Please get the shot! If not for yourself, for your loved ones, for your neighbors, for your community, for children.
George Washington mandated his troops to be inoculated against Smallpox during the American Revolution. They got shots! On October 28, 1956, Elvis Presley rolled up his sleeve for a polio shot on the legendary Ed Sullivan TV show. At the time, only 0.6% of American teenagers were vaccinated; six months later 80% were vaccinated.
Get your COVID shot! It will protect kids and vulnerable adults. And it’s a lot more valuable than a hundred dollars.
*Disclaimer: The CDC, MDH and local municipality recommendations are evolving. Information may be updated since this article was sent to press. Be sure to check for the most recent advisories published by each of these entities, especially if you are traveling soon.
Dr. Tim Rumsey is physician emeritus at Allina United Family Physicians. He can be reached at 651-241-5200.
