The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has approved booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds.

Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health now has booster shots for anyone 16 years and older who received their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months ago. Johnson & Johnson boosters are available at other clinics if you received that vaccine at least two months ago and are 18 years or older.

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).

• Video: Why are COVID-19 vaccine booster shots necessary? - Minnesota Department of Health.

Learn more about booster shots and find where they are available.   

Free COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone age five 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. 

There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Take the following steps to make your holiday gatherings safer.

• Get vaccinated. The best way to keep your family and friends safe is to get vaccinated if you are eligible.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Avoid crowded settings. Gather in a place where people can keep space between each other.

Learn more about safe holiday travel and gatherings.

Beginning Monday, Dec. 20, the state of Minnesota's community testing sites at Roy Wilkins Auditorium (Saint Paul) and the Minneapolis Convention Center will open two hours early at 9 a.m. (instead of 11 a.m.) Both sites offer rapid antigen swab and saliva PCR testing. Regular hours at these two sites will resume again on Jan. 10. 

• 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 strongly recommended. Walk-ins are also available.

Other free state testing sites are at the MSP Airport and 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

The Medical Reserve Corps of Ramsey County is looking for volunteers who have a pediatric background and who reflect the diversity of our community to fill a variety of roles.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities: ramseycounty.us/MRC

This guide includes a partial list of food resources available during the winter school break from Dec. 17 - Jan. 2. Please contact locations directly for more information or cancellations in the event of bad weather.

Visit the food resource page for more information about the resources and additional food shelves, free dining sites, mobile grocery stores, farmers markets, grocery and corner stores, and Fare for All discounted grocery locations.

View Winter Break Food Resources Guide (pdf)