Minnesota Expands Vaccine Eligibility; shots for all possible by the end of April

Updated at 11:33 a.m.

After approaching a key threshold in vaccinating the population 65 and older, officials on Tuesday accelerated the timelines for many more Minnesotans to be eligible for a shot – and indicated that every adult Minnesotan could be eligible for the shot. shooting by the end of April.

The state will meet its goal this week of vaccinating 70% of Minnesotans aged 65 and over weeks earlier than planned. This means a faster expansion of the eligibility pool.

“Things are going in the direction we had hoped for,” dynamic government Tim Walz told reporters on Tuesday. “The Minnesotans do whatever is asked of them and that makes a difference.”

The plan will kick off two additional phases of the vaccination plan originally scheduled for April, encompassing people with specific underlying health conditions.

The state is also adding to its list of eligible people because of their place of work, including workers in food processing plants, child care workers not previously eligible, first responders, grocery store staff. , justice system workers, factory workers, public health workers, public transport. , Postal workers and people in correctional settings.

Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm estimated that it would take about six weeks to immunize all members of the larger groups; after that, the state hopes to be able to offer a vaccine to any adult in Minnesota.

“By the time we’re done with that next bigger group, the next announcement would be for almost everyone,” said Malcolm.

She and Walz have always warned the Minnesotans must remain vigilant against the spread of the disease, noting outbreaks in Carver County and other counties of the highly contagious UK COVID-19 strain.

The governor’s office said health officials were not planning any immediate changes to restrictions on social events or gatherings, but were being reconsidered as vaccinations accelerated, and the state could do more. adjustments for summer events and the hospitality industry in the next week or so. .

Walz acknowledged on Tuesday that the Minnesota Twins and other big event sponsors are eager to find out what will be cleared as spring and summer approach.