PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine wants children in the state to participate in a video competition to encourage their peers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Maine Department of Education are looking for youths age 5 to 17 to create and submit half-minute videos they think will convince children and parents to get the shot. The state said Wednesday it would promote the winning videos via social media and public service announcements.
The first-place winner’s school will receive $50,000. Second place carries a $25,000 prize and third place $10,000. Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew said the contest will allow “Maine children to help us spread the word about the benefits of vaccination.”
Federal authorities recently recommended the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for children. Maine has had more success than other states its size in vaccinating the population, including children. About 64% of children age 12 to 15 in the state have received at least a first dose of the vaccine, state data show.
The deadline for submissions to the contest is 6 p.m. on Nov. 22.
