[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced today that the state’s ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves, MN’ vaccine outreach campaign is focusing on connecting Minnesota’s 16- and 17-year-olds with the Pfizer vaccine this week. This push comes after a statewide testing push for students and athletes due to a significant increase of COVID-19 cases among younger Minnesotans.

‘Roll Up Your Sleeves, Teens” week began Tuesday, April 27 and will extend through Saturday, May 1. During this week, 16- and 17-year-olds and their families are being prioritized for shots at the state’s community vaccination site at Mall of America. Teens and their loved-ones are encouraged to schedule an appointment this week at Mall of America here: https://primarybio.com/r/vaxmn16

Teens in Greater Minnesota looking for a vaccine closer to home are encouraged to go on the state’s Find My Vaccine map to find a local provider offering the Pfizer vaccine near them.

All eligible Minnesotans are encouraged to visit VaccineConnector.mn.gov to directly schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments at the state’s Community Vaccination Program. Minnesotans can also sign up through the Vaccine Connector to receive more information about vaccine opportunities.

“Getting vaccinated protects you and helps protect those around you who haven’t been able to get their shots yet,” said Governor Walz. “ Sixteen and 17-year-olds across Minnesota are eligible for vaccine and don’t have to wait to roll up their sleeves. We’ve made great progress with vaccines and it has made a real impact on the state of the pandemic. But to get to herd immunity we need to protect as many people as possible, and that includes teens. That’s why we’re making this push.”

This week, efforts to vaccinate teens have also included pop-up clinics in local schools around the Minnesota State Fair Vaccination site with doses from the State of Minnesota partnership with FEMA.

“I got to go to prom, and I want to make sure that every teenager who wants to go gets that same opportunity to make memories with their friends and classmates,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Getting vaccinated will help give Minnesota young people the best chance to learn in-person, participate in sports and activities, attend graduation, and of course, go to prom. And for those who can’t get vaccinated yet, please keep testing.”

“Vaccines are one really important way we can ensure our students get to experience all of the important milestones the come with the end of a school year,” said Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller. “It's also something families can do together. My daughter is turning 16 soon and believe it or not she's more excited about getting her vaccine than getting her driver’s license because she knows it's the way she gets back to the things she loves.”

Parents, guardians, and families are highly encouraged to join 16- and 17-year-olds in getting vaccinated at the same time. When scheduling an online appointment, teens under the age of 18 must receive signed consent from a parent or guardian. If children under the age of 18 arrive at a Community Vaccination site without a parent, the site will vaccinate if the attestation box on the pre-registration form is checked and the parent has signed the consent. If the parent/guardian has not signed the consent in advance, the Community Vaccination Program can accept written consent from a parent/guardian accompanying the minor child to the appointment. Without consent, 16- and 17-year-olds cannot be vaccinated.