Minnesota announces changes to COVID-19 vaccine rollout statewide



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Minnesota officials on Monday announced several changes to the statewide COVID-19 vaccine rollout to get more people vaccinated.

Minnesota will have 35,000 doses of the vaccine available for people aged 65 and older this week, including 9,425 doses at two new, permanent large-scale community vaccination sites in Minneapolis and Duluth, replacing the 10 that worked last week, according to a government press release. Office of Tim Walz. A third site will open next week in southern Minnesota.

The rest of the doses will go to more than 100 clinics, hospitals and healthcare providers statewide.

The goal of Minnesota’s new vaccine deployment plan is to move away from community vaccination sites and get more people vaccinated in their communities.

New community vaccination sites in Minneapolis, Duluth and southern Minnesota will serve people aged 65 and over. The Minneapolis site will also serve teachers and educators.

The 10 sites opened in the last two weeks will only be open for the second doses, for people who received the first doses there.

How can I find a vaccinator near me?

Minnesota launched a new vaccine locator map on Monday to help people find local immunization opportunities near their homes. Minnesota residents can use the map to find vaccine suppliers in their area and contact those suppliers directly to make an appointment to get the vaccine.

The location map currently only provides information for the elderly, but will expand over time as more Minnesotans become eligible for the vaccine, according to the press release. The map can be found here.

What Happens to the COVID-19 Vaccine Lottery for Minnesota Seniors?

The 220,000 seniors who were put on the waiting list in last week’s lottery will remain on the list to be randomly selected to get the vaccine at one of the state’s new permanent community vaccination sites. in Minneapolis or Duluth. They can also receive a dose through their local health care provider.

No new appointments will be scheduled at the top 10 community immunization clinics in Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Fergus Falls, Marshall, Mountain Iron, North Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Paul and Thief River Falls.

Minnesotans who received their first dose at one of the state’s ten pilot community immunization clinics last week or week before will receive their second doses at the same location as scheduled. No further action is required on their part.

What about teachers and educators?

Teachers and educators will be contacted directly or by their employers, who coordinate with local health departments, to schedule an appointment for a vaccine.

Teachers and educators can get vaccinated at any of the following locations:

  • State vaccination site in Minneapolis
  • 35 local public health units statewide
  • Pharmacies in Brainerd, St. Cloud and Rochester

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