COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expanded to 16 and up!

The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only approved for those 18 and older. Although this major update is an immense step in the right direction, it will take much time to have everyone vaccinated and may take until the end of May. Many health providers have announced that they are still only scheduling vaccinations for those high-risk categories. Retail pharmacies do not have the ability to prioritize based on health conditions. For retail pharmacies, it is mostly a first-come, first-serve basis. The state of Minnesota is trying to provide to bridge that gap by offering vaccines at places such as community vaccinations. Tomorrow, Minnesota and Minnesota Vikings will hold a vaccination event at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan. To be kept updated on when and where you can register for the vaccine download the “Vaccine Connector” app — mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector.

It is projected that 424,000 vaccine doses will be delivered to Minnesota in early April. So far, around 17 percent of the state’s population have completed their vaccinations. About 28 percent of the population have received at least one dose. More than 80 percent of people age 65 and older have been vaccinated. There is still concern about the U.K. COVID-19 variant since there has been a confirmation for more than 500 cases in the past week in the UK and there is a chance that new cases may be tied in Minnesota may be tied to this variant. Minnesota families with children returning to school are encouraged to get their children tested every two weeks. Make sure to follow COVID-19 guidelines, keep a six feet distance, and wear a mask!