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Nov. 24, 2021
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Vaccine available for anyone age 5 and up
Free COVID-19 vaccines are now available for anyone age 5 or older. You can get vaccinated at free clinics operated by the state of Minnesota, at health care clinics and pharmacies.
Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health also has COVID-19 vaccine at multiple clinics it operates across the county.
- Appointments are required at most clinics and registration is available online at ramseycounty.us/COVIDvaccine.
- The vaccine is free; no medical insurance or government-issued ID is required.
- Kids age 5-11 will receive the pediatric dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which is one-third the dose of the adult vaccine.
- Youths must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to be vaccinated.
Visit ramseycounty.us/COVIDvaccine for updates on new clinics and registration links. Call Public Health’s vaccine phone line at 651-266-1190 (Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) with questions. Limited walk-in appointments available at our pop-up clinics.
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Vaccine for kids age 5-11 is given in a smaller dose
The COVID-19 vaccine was carefully studied before being approved for children and found to be safe and effective for kids. Children age 5-11 are given the same Pfizer vaccine as adults but in a smaller dose.
It's natural to have questions about vaccine safety and side effects. Talk to a health care provider you trust, such as your child's pediatrician or primary health care provider, or visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to learn more.
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Boosters now approved for anyone age 18 and older
COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are available for anyone 18 years and older who received their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago or Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago. Ramsey County has Pfizer and Moderna booster shots at our clinics, by appointment only.
Why do I need a booster shot?
- COVID-19 vaccines are very effective, but new data shows protection may decrease over time. This is normal and expected.
- Booster shots are common for many vaccines, like the flu shot or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).
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Video: Why are COVID-19 vaccine booster shots necessary? - Minnesota Department of Health.
Learn more about booster shots and find where they are available.
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Stay safe for the holidays and when gathering indoors
There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Take the following steps to make your holiday gatherings safer.
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Get vaccinated. The best way to keep your family and friends safe is to get vaccinated if you are eligible.
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Lay low before you go. Minimize activities with a high risk of exposure (attending crowded indoor public events, etc.) a couple of weeks before holiday gatherings or travel so you don't get COVID-19 and spread it at a holiday event.
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Get tested. Take advantage of COVID-19 testing options so you can know before you go. You can go to a testing site or use the at-home testing program. Get tested if you have symptoms or were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
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Stay home if you are sick. If you have symptoms or test positive, stay home and away from others. Don't attend or host a gathering.
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Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated, and even if you are fully vaccinated.
- Masks are required on public transportation, including buses, trains and airplanes.
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Gather outdoors or in an area with good ventilation. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors if possible. Learn more about how to improve airflow, ventilation, circulation and more at Indoor Air Considerations: COVID-19.
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Avoid crowded settings. Gather in a place where people can keep space between each other.
Learn more about safe holiday travel and gatherings.
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Free COVID-19 testing throughout Twin Cities metro
With the COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rising again, testing is an important way to slow the spread of the virus. The state of Minnesota offers free testing sites for all Minnesotans, with several locations in and near Ramsey County. Most sites offer saliva (PCR) tests. Some sites now offer rapid antigen tests as well.
- Testing is free and open to everyone.
- Saliva PCR tests are recommended for people with or without symptoms, with results in 24 to 72 hours.
- Rapid antigen tests are recommended for people with symptoms, with results in one to three hours.
- Appointments and walk-ins available.
Locations include Roy Wilkins Auditorium (Saint Paul), MSP Airport, the Minneapolis Convention Center and others in Stillwater, Lino Lakes, Brooklyn Park, Bloomington and Inver Grove Heights. Find a location near you at RamseyCounty.us/Testing.
A free at-home saliva testing kit is also available from the state of Minnesota.
Who should get tested
The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing for COVID-19 in several situations according to exposure, symptoms and vaccination status.
Learn who should get tested
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COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance
Are you a renter who is having difficulty paying rent or utilities due to COVID-19?
Ramsey County and Saint Paul are offering a tenant assistance program for qualifying Ramsey County renters impacted by the financial burdens of COVID-19.
Landlords can also initiate and lead an Emergency Rental Assistance application on behalf of tenants.
Learn more and apply for assistance.
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COVID-19 update from the Nov. 23 board of commissioners meeting
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