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Next COVID-19 Community Conversation with Dr. Lynne Ogawa is Jan. 19
Join Dr. Lynne Ogawa, Medical Director for Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health, for a virtual community conversation on Jan. 19 about COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant people, testing and Omicron.
Ask Dr. Ogawa your COVID-19 questions while learning how to protect yourself, your family and our community during the ongoing pandemic.
Wednesday, Jan. 19,
4-5 p.m.
View event details and link to meeting
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Vaccination more important than ever with Omicron
As Omicron surges across the nation and sets record-breaking new case counts, getting vaccinated is critical to helping curb the spread of COVID-19. Vaccines help keep kids and families safe from severe illness and hospitalization.
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 anyone can be vaccinated at, including a new Saint Paul Public Schools site at 360 Colborne Street, Saint Paul.
- 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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Boosters available for youth age 12 and older
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has approved booster shots for youth age 12-15. They now also recommend all ages eligible to get a booster do so one month sooner - five months after a second dose of the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine.
Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health has Pfizer and Moderna booster shots at its clinics. 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).
You can get a different booster (Pfizer or Moderna) from the original first two doses you received. Currently, only the Pfizer booster is approved for youth ages 12-17.
Learn more about booster shots and find where they are available.
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County and state continue to offer vaccine incentives
Get a free vaccine and gift card from Ramsey County, while supplies last. No matter where you live – you may be eligible to get a vaccine and gift card.
- Get a $50 gift card for your first dose of Pfizer vaccine, while supplies last, at our Ramsey County-operated clinics.
- Get your gift card immediately after vaccination - no forms or paperwork required.
- For location and dates of Ramsey County-operated clinics, see community sites or pop-up clinics listings on our vaccine page or call 651-266-1190.
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State of Minnesota - Kids deserve a shot for ages 5-11
Minnesota families who get their child 5-11 years old fully vaccinated with a first and second dose between Jan. 1, 2022 and Feb. 28, 2022 can get a $200 visa gift card.
Enter to win a $100,000 scholarship
All Minnesotans 5-11 years old who have completed first and second COVID-19 doses at any point in time are eligible to enter a chance to win a $100,000 Minnesota College Scholarship.
Learn more about these incentives
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 Saint Paul reinstates mask requirement, proof of vaccination or negative test to be required at licensed businesses serving food and beverages
Face masks are now required again in Saint Paul at all city-controlled facilities and at all businesses licensed by the city when social distancing of at least six feet is not maintained.
Learn more about the renewed face mask requirement.
Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test will be required soon for customers of licensed businesses where food and/or drink is sold or served indoors for consumption in a public space. The Executive Order takes effect Jan. 19, for non-ticketed events, and Jan, 26 for ticketed events.
Learn more about the proof of vaccination or negative COVID test requirement.
Need to replace your vaccine card or show proof of COVID-19 vaccination?
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Masks recommended if vaccinated or unvaccinated
In addition to requirements to wear face masks in specific public spaces and businesses, health experts recommend masks in all indoor businesses and public settings and crowded outdoor places or events.
Because the Delta and Omicron variants are shown to spread more easily, both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals are advised to wear face masks.
Consider a KN95 or surgical mask instead of a cloth mask. If you cannot get that type of mask, wear a well-fitting mask with at least two layers of tightly woven fabric. You can also layer a disposable mask under a cloth mask to increase effectiveness.
Learn more about masks/face covering recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Free COVID testing available at State of Minnesota sites
There are several options for getting tested for COVID-19 including from health care providers, pharmacies and free community testing sites operated by the State of Minnesota.
When to get tested:
- If you are sick or have symptoms.
- If you've traveled recently.
- If you've been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
- If you've attended a high-risk event.
Learn more about who should get tested
Find testing locations and options
A free at-home saliva testing kit is also available from the state of Minnesota.
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