Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan Receive Updated COVID-19 Boosters

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan received

their updated bivalent boosters at the State Capitol. On September 6, Governor Walz

announced Minnesota’s health care providers were ready to administer the new vaccines that

are designed to better protect against Omicron variants. Photos from the event are available

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to get this updated booster that has been formulated to

extend protection against COVID-19 and protect against the newer variants,” said Governor

Walz. “This safe, effective vaccine is another key tool helping keep Minnesotans safe –

especially when paired with testing and therapeutics.

“As we get deeper into a new school year and as end-of-year holidays get closer, I want to

make sure my family and I have the best protection possible against COVID-19, so I was very

excited to be able to get my shot today,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I encourage all

who are due for the bivalent booster to make a plan for getting vaccinated, and make sure

the whole family is up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.”

There are a number of options for Minnesotans to get their updated bivalent booster, including

state-run vaccination sites in Bloomington, Duluth, Moorhead, Rochester, and the St. Paul

Midway location that is now taking appointments for next week. In addition to state-run

vaccination sites, Minnesotans can find updated bivalent boosters through Minnesota

pharmacies, health care systems, local public health and tribal health agencies, and other

health care providers.

About the updated bivalent booster:

The updated bivalent booster helps protect against the original COVID-19 strain that has been

in the vaccines as well as against newer Omicron variants that are circulating. COVID-19

vaccines continue to protect people by preventing severe illness and deaths.

Pfizer bivalent booster vaccine is recommended for people age 12 and older. The Moderna

bivalent booster vaccine is recommended for people age 18 and older. Both vaccines can be

given at least two months after a primary vaccine series or booster vaccination. The bivalent

vaccines can only be used for a single booster dose. These boosters will continue to be free for

all Minnesotans at both state and private sites, regardless of insurance status.

Contact your health care provider or a local pharmacy.
Use the state’s Find Vaccine Locations to find vaccine providers near you—providers will update their information as appointments are available.
Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at other community locations around Minnesota.

Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free COVID-19 Community Testing Sites. Test-to-treat options are available at some locations.
Check with your insurance company about ways to get free rapid tests from pharmacies.
Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map.

Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline: 1-833-431-2053, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7

p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.