Governor Walz: State to Begin Administering Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Shots to Recommended Minnesotans
[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today, following federal guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota will begin administering Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to Minnesotans who are eligible to receive one.
Minnesotans who got the Pfizer vaccine can receive a booster shot at least six months after their initial series based on CDC guidance:
people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster;
people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster;
people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster; and
people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting (e.g. frontline medical workers, teachers, and first responders) may receive a booster.
The list of medical conditions categorized as high-risk by the CDC is available here . Minnesotans with an underlying medical condition are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about whether a booster is right for them.
Federal health experts are still reviewing data from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson and will decide when recipients may be eligible for a booster shot. Minnesota will be ready to provide Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters when they are recommended.
“Our administration will always prioritize the health and safety of Minnesotans — and right now that means getting our highest risk Minnesotans booster doses to keep their protection strong against the COVID-19 virus,” said Governor Walz. “We will begin giving boosters to Minnesotans who are eligible, which will help maximize protection for the most at-risk Minnesotans. We have enough vaccine to administer first, second, and booster doses — and I urge every eligible Minnesotan to take advantage of these easy, safe, and free opportunities to keep yourself best protected against this deadly virus.”
“We need every Minnesotan to do their part to stop the spread of the virus and keep our loved ones safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We have life-saving vaccines and a robust team of providers serving our communities across the state. It is so important to get vaccinated. Get your shot, and for those that are eligible, boosters are available.”
Minnesota has enough vaccine available for anyone who needs a shot, be it a first, second, or booster dose. An extensive network of vaccine providers are administering the vaccine, including pharmacies (many of which accept walk-ins), health care systems, community clinics, local public health agencies, and tribal health agencies. There are plenty of ways Minnesotans can get their Pfizer booster shot near them.
Pfizer COVID-19 booster doses will be administered anywhere the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available. Minnesotans do not need to get their booster dose at the same location they received their initial series. Those seeking a booster shot can visit mn.gov/vaccine to find a provider near them and schedule an appointment or find a walk-in clinic.
“To all the Minnesotans who – like me – are not yet due for a booster shot, know that we are closely following the federal review process, and we stand ready to get you boosters as soon as the science recommends it,” continued Governor Walz.
“Getting that initial vaccination is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. “The booster dose of Pfizer helps extend a high level of protection for Pfizer vaccine recipients who are at greater risk of illness – older people, and those at higher risk because of their underlying health conditions or their workplace. It’s important to remember that people who are fully vaccinated continue to have good protection against severe illness and hospitalization, even once it starts to decline. Also, a booster given too early may not be as effective, so it is important to follow that guidance on timing.”
Research shows that all COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective at preventing severe illness and death. Minnesotans should only get a booster when it is recommended, not earlier. Minnesotans can learn more about COVID-19 booster doses from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
How Minnesotans can get their free shot:
Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
Walk in to one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites or make an appointment through the Vaccine Connector: VaccineConnector.mn.gov.
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
1-833-431-2053
Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:
Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free community testing sites across Minnesota: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites .
Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program: COVID-19 Test at Home .
Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map: Find Testing Locations .
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