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October 27, 2021
Today, Governor Tim Walz announced Minnesota's plan to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children age 5-11 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee voted to recommend the use of the Pfizer vaccine for this age group.
The State of Minnesota has built a strong network of providers including pharmacies, health care systems, clinics, local public health and tribal health agencies, and community and school clinics that can begin vaccinating eligible children once final eligibility recommendations are issued by the federal government, which could come later next week.
The FDA’s Advisory Committee made its recommendation following a review of data from clinical trials that found the Pfizer vaccine is safe and provides strong protection for children ages 5 to 11.
The state is waiting on FDA’s official authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for use in this age group as well as recommendations from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to provide the recommendations doctors and other health care providers need before they start vaccinating. ACIP is expected to meet on this matter November 2-3.
Many school districts and charter schools are already working with local public health to set up vaccine clinics in your school buildings. If you are interested in hosting an on-site vaccine clinic and have not already reached out to your local public health department, please do so. You can also fill out this community vaccination event interest form from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Encourage Families to Make a Plan
As we await the official authorization, families should begin planning to get their kids vaccinated. The State of Minnesota has prepared a Youth COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit that includes materials to help you educate your students and families around the importance of the vaccine.
How families can find a shot for their child once they are eligible:
Minnesota providers cannot begin vaccinating children until the CDC issues final recommendations.
Once their child is eligible Minnesota families can:
- Contact their pediatrician or family medicine clinic about appointments;
- Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Find My Vaccine map to locate and contact providers near them;
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Utilize the CDC’s Vaccine Finder at vaccines.gov to find pharmacies offering pediatric vaccinations; or
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Look to your local school district for more information about vaccination opportunities in your child’s school.
How currently eligible Minnesotans can get their free shot:
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Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
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1-833-431-2053
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Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
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Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
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Check for vaccine appointments using the Vaccine Finder. You can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
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Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
The full press release will be available on Governor Walz' Newsroom page soon. We will be sure to update you as more information becomes available regarding vaccines for kids ages 5 and older.
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