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Minnesota Department of Health
March 25, 2021
Over 2 million vaccine doses administered
Over 2.25 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to Minnesotans! There’s still a long way to go, but Minnesota is committed to building a reliable network of options for everyone to get their shot.
For vaccine data, vaccine locations, or to sign up for the Vaccine Connector, visit COVID-19 Vaccinations.
COVID-19 variants
Variants are common with a virus like COVID-19. Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time.
Multiple COVID-19 variants are circulating globally. Variants first detected in the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7), Brazil (P.1), and South Africa (B.1.351) have been detected in the United States. All three variants have been identified in Minnesota. MDH and our partners are actively testing new positive test samples to continue to detect variants and learn more.
So far, the B.1.1.7 variant has been the most common in Minnesota. Early data shows that the B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily and can be as much as 50% more contagious than the original virus. There is also concern the B.1.1.7 variant may be associated with more severe disease compared to other variants. More research is needed to confirm these findings and what it will mean for vaccination efforts. For more information, visit CDC: Variants of the Virus that Causes COVID-19.
As encouraging as the vaccination numbers are, we need to remember that we have a state population of 5.5 million and most Minnesotans are not yet fully vaccinated. Millions of Minnesotans are still susceptible to COVID-19 infection and the health impacts that can go with it. Continue to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19: wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, avoid gatherings, wash your hands often, and stay home if you feel sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Because variants can spread more easily, it is important to get tested. Families with school-age children returning to in-person learning should get tested every two weeks. Kids involved in sports or after-school activities should get tested once a week: COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families.
New community vaccination sites
As part of the State of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program, Governor Walz announced a new community vaccination site at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato. The Moderna vaccine will be administered to currently eligible Minnesotans, including frontline workers. This large-scale, permanent site will join sites in Minneapolis, Duluth, Rochester, Bloomington, St. Paul and St. Cloud.
Governor Walz also announced two temporary vaccination events in Marshall at the MERIT Center and Worthington at the Worthington Event Center. Vaccine will be administered at these events to currently eligible Minnesotans, including frontline workers in food processing and agriculture this week.
Minnesotans who have not received a vaccine should sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, which will notify users about vaccine opportunities near them. Users currently eligible for the vaccine may be randomly selected for an appointment at a Community Vaccination Program location. Minnesotans may be contacted directly if they can make an appointment.
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Materials
We are adding new videos, print materials, and translated documents often. Check out the pages below to view, download, or print these resources.
The situation is changing rapidly. Visit Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the most up-to-date information and follow MDH on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram to stay informed.
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