Governor Walz Makes More than 35,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Available for Minnesota Seniors ...
Governor Walz Makes More than 35,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Available for Minnesota Seniors this Week, Launches Statewide Vaccine Finder Detailing Vaccine Opportunities.
Seniors will be able to get vaccinated through local providers in communities near where they live; Two large-scale, permanent state community vaccination sites also launching this week in Minneapolis and Duluth, with another site in southern Minnesota launching next week.
February 1, 2021
[ST. PAUL, MN] – More than 35,000 Minnesotans age 65+ will have access to COVID-19 vaccines at over 100 clinics, hospitals, state community vaccination sites, and other locations across the state this week, Governor Tim Walz announced today. With an increased vaccine supply and after a successful two-week pilot to test the concept of community vaccination clinics, Governor Walz is now moving forward with his all-of-the-above approach to vaccine distribution that bolsters the proven network of local health care providers that will administer vaccines to most Minnesotans in the coming months, while also cementing the path forward for community vaccination sites.
The Walz-Flanagan administration also today launched an online vaccine finder to better connect Minnesotans age 65+ to vaccination opportunities in communities near where they live. The vaccine finder will allow all eligible Minnesotans the opportunity to seek out the vaccine from a local provider.
“We have long planned for most Minnesotans to get vaccinated in the places they are used to getting their health care – places like smaller clinics, local hospitals, and community pharmacies,” Governor Tim Walz said. “But not everyone has a doctor or pharmacy they’re familiar with. That’s why we’ve built up a reliable network of different ways Minnesotans will be able to access the vaccine. After careful planning, we’re now activating that network to give Minnesotans options close to home.”
“We still need more supply, but we have to work quickly with what we do have and be ready when the federal government ramps up to meet the demand. Today we’re expanding locations offering the vaccine and helping connect our seniors to shots where they live, so we can get to work crushing COVID-19 across Minnesota,” the Governor continued.
35,000 doses for 65+
This week, more Minnesotans aged 65+ than ever will be able to get their vaccine in Minnesota. In addition to the new, large-scale, permanent state community vaccination sites that will continue to vaccinate 65+ Minnesotans with the same number of doses as in previous weeks, the state is sending additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine to more than 100 hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers to administer vaccines to Minnesota seniors.
“Our seniors have seen the worst of COVID, and it’s absolutely vital we get them the shots they need to stay healthy and safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Today we’re putting vaccines directly in their communities and helping them find where they can get their shot. We need to ensure we’re protecting those most vulnerable to severe illness, and we’re directing healthcare providers to make that happen.”
COVID-19 vaccination map launches to help Minnesotans find local vaccine providers The administration is releasing a new vaccine locator map today to connect Minnesotans to vaccination opportunities in their area. The map, found at https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/ , now gives all seniors across the state the opportunity to find vaccine opportunities in their area. Minnesotans can use the map to find vaccine providers near them and contact those healthcare providers with questions. While the locator currently provides information for seniors, it will expand over time as more Minnesotans become eligible for the vaccine.