Current respiratory activity
COVID-19 activity is very low in Minnesota but “quietly waking up.” Recently there has been a slight increase in cases in residents of long-term care facilities. To stay up-to-date on respiratory illness data, visit Viral Respiratory Illness in Minnesota (Data & Statistics).
Summer COVID-19 waves commonly begin in mid-July; however, the magnitude of this wave cannot yet be determined. Per the CDC: Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel, COVID-19 test positivity and wastewater surveillance data indicate an increase in viral activity in western and southern states. Now is the time for patients 65 years of age and older and those who are immunocompromised to get their second dose of the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine to provide protection until the 2026-27 formula is available.
Respiratory disease immunizations
Preparations are underway for the upcoming respiratory season. Over the next month, the FDA will consider final approval and licensure of the 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccines. Once the vaccines are fully licensed, manufacturers can finalize package inserts and begin shipping. Influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization products are expected to be available for Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) program providers.
MDH endorses vaccine recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Check out AAP Immunization Recommendations Process: 2026 for information about how AAP determines their recommendations. Once vaccine recommendations are published, vaccine protocols will be updated and posted on Vaccine Protocols.
Additionally, the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP) is working on Evidence Reviews for COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines. VIP’s goal is to have a coordinated, unified release of information on safety and effectiveness before the start of the respiratory season.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has recently updated the Minnesota Immunization Information Center (MIIC) webpages. The webpages have been reorganized and streamlined to improve access to information about MIIC for all users.
Content has been split into information for the public and information for providers who use MIIC. Frequent visitors to the website should review any previously saved bookmarks and update them as needed. If you have any questions about these changes, email the MIIC Help Desk.
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A new report released by MDH shows the agency has made significant progress on health equity initiatives over the last decade. The new report titled, “Advancing Health Equity at the Minnesota Department of Health: 2014-2024,” provides an assessment of the department’s progress on recommendations included in the pivotal “Advancing Health Equity in Minnesota: Report to the Legislature,” released in 2014.
“The progress we have made is something to celebrate, but we also know we’re nowhere near the finish line,” said Commissioner Cunningham. “MDH will continue to work toward a Minnesota where everyone has what they need to be healthy – in the next decade and beyond.”
The full report can be found on Advancing Health Equity at MDH: 2014-2024.
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Vaccine-preventable diseases and the immunization landscape are constantly changing. Got Your Shots? News provides timely, Minnesota-specific email updates on vaccine recommendations, emerging guidance, practical resources, current vaccine reminder/recall efforts, and much more! Encourage your colleagues to subscribe to receive these important updates.
You are the trusted messengers in your communities, and we’re proud to partner with you on disease prevention through vaccination.
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