NY awards first round of vax scholarships for kids 5 to 11

Children with COVID

Nearly 142,000 children tested positive for the virus between Nov. 11 and Nov. 18, an increase of about 32% from two weeks prior.

ALBANY. N.Y. - Ten preteens from around New York have won the first round of state college scholarships for 5-to-11-year-olds who get vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Saturday.

The youths' names were drawn by lottery after their parents or guardians entered them in the "Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate" contest. It's open to children 5 to 11 who get their first vaccine dose by Dec. 19. Weekly drawings will continue through Dec. 20.

Winners get tuition, room and board for an associate's or bachelor's degree program at a New York State or New York City public university, plus money for books and supplies.

What to know about vaccines for kids

NYC Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi talks about COVID vaccination efforts underway for children in the city.

Hochul's office released video of the Democrat phoning some of the young winners, whose full names weren't given.

New York offered a similar scholarship raffle for vaccinated 12-to-17-year-olds last spring and summer.

Doctor explains COVID vaccine for children

Dr. Torian Easterling, first Deputy Commissioner and Chief Equity Officer for the NYC Department of Health, fully supports COVID vaccination for children 5-11 years old.

States around the country have tried various giveaways to induce people to get inoculated.