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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Allison Thrash, Communications, 612-600-9782
Get a booster if you’re eligible
Getting vaccinated is the most important step that Minnesotans can take to protect themselves against COVID-19, including variants like Omicron. In addition to first and second doses, Hennepin County is offering booster doses at its vaccine events and clinics. People who receive a COVID-19 booster or other vaccine dose at a Hennepin County event or clinic are eligible for a $50 Visa gift card, while supplies last.
“Hennepin County is committed to increasing interest in the COVID-19 booster – and other vaccine doses – especially in light of Omicron and other variants,” says Hennepin County Board Chair Marion Greene. “That’s why the board has approved additional funding for vaccine incentives. A big thank you to everyone who is committed to taking this step to keep Hennepin County a safe place for our residents who work, learn, and live here.”
The CDC recommends that everyone 18+ should get a COVID-19 booster shot:
- If they received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine 2 months or more ago
- If they received the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine 6 months or more ago
COVID-19 vaccines are effective, especially at preventing serious illness and death. However, evidence is increasingly clear that boosters for all adults, given at the appropriate time after your primary vaccination series, can help extend the protection and keep it at a high level.
"Mixing and matching" of COVID-19 vaccine boosters is authorized, meaning Minnesotans eligible to get a booster dose can get any of the three authorized vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) regardless of which brand vaccine they received for their initial series.
Hennepin County is offering Pfizer vaccine at all of its vaccine events and clinics for people ages 12+. People can receive a Pfizer booster at Hennepin County 12+ vaccine events and clinics even if the primary series they received was Moderna or Johnson and Johnson.
Vaccine registration is easy
Other steps to stay safe this holiday season
“We have many COVID-19 safety tools in our toolbox, and it’s important that people use them all,” says Susan Palchick, Hennepin County Public Health director. “First and foremost, I highly encourage you to get a booster shot if you’re eligible – and for everyone five and older to get their primary vaccination series. Additionally, it's essential to follow other layered steps like masking. All of these steps together will maximize our ability to keep our families and community healthy.”
Here are layered safety approaches:
- Wear well-fitting masks in indoor public settings and crowded outdoor settings.
- Get tested if you have symptoms, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, have traveled as per guidelines or have been in a setting where you may have been exposed.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Stay away from crowds.
- Improve ventilation in your home and workplace.
- Take extra care to avoid exposure to the virus if you have medical conditions or live with someone with medical conditions.
Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.
Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.
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