[ST. PAUL, MN] – Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to use Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds, Governor Tim Walz announced that the ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves, MN’ campaign will focus its efforts on outreach to Minnesota families and their children this week.

“We took a big step toward normal last week, but a safe and fun summer is possible only if everyone who can be protected is protected,” said Governor Walz. “You get protected by getting your shot — and now more young people have the power to do their part. And when you get your shot, bring a friend, bring a sibling, bring anyone you can so we can be protected and enjoy the concerts, the festivals, and all the summertime events we’ve been missing.”

“As parents, we do everything we can to keep our kids healthy and safe—getting our children vaccinated checks both boxes,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “The vaccine will protect our children from this deadly disease and make sure they get back to the things they love, like hanging out with their friends, enjoying summer programs and activities, and most importantly, not worrying about getting sick.”

“As we look forward to summer and next fall, we are hopeful our students will get to make up for missed learning opportunities caused by the pandemic,” said Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller. “Getting as many of our students vaccinated as possible will help keep us on track for a school experience that looks a lot more like what we are all used to. We owe it to our children to get them vaccinated.”

‘Roll Up Your Sleeves, Minnesota Families’ week will extend through Saturday, May 22. During this week, 12- to 15-year-olds and their families will be prioritized for shots at the Mall of America community vaccination site. Walk-ins are welcome and appointments can be made online through the Community Vaccination Program.

Minnesota’s 16- and 17-year-olds who received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine during the week of April 26 are encouraged to share their vaccine story with their siblings, friends, and family. They are encouraged to bring an eligible, unvaccinated Minnesotan with them to get their first dose when they receive their second dose.

Efforts to vaccinate teens also include pop-up clinics in local schools surrounding the Minnesota State Fair Vaccination site that will use doses from the FEMA-sponsored site. Families in Greater Minnesota looking for a vaccine closer to home are encouraged to talk to their child’s health care provider or go to Vaccines.gov to search for providers administering Pfizer vaccines.

Parental Consent:

• Parent or guardian consent is required for COVID-19 vaccination for people younger than 18 years old.
• For state community vaccination clinics:
  • 12- to 15-year-olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • 16- and 17-year-olds must receive permission from a parent or guardian, either in person through being accompanied by a parent or guardian, or online beforehand through the appointment scheduling and registration process.
  • Families are highly encouraged to join 12-17-year-olds and get vaccinated at the same time.

How Minnesotans Can Get Their Shot at No Cost:

• Vaccine Connector: You can directly sign up for an appointment at one of the state Community Vaccination Program locations at VaccineConnector.mn.gov.
  • Walk-ins for Minnesotans 12+ will be accepted at state community vaccination sites administering Pfizer vaccines in Bloomington (Mall of America), Saint Paul (Roy Wilkins Auditorium), Lino Lakes and Oakdale.
  • Walk-ins and appointments for Minnesotans 18+ are accepted at all sites.
• Vaccine Locator Map : You can use the Vaccine Locator Map to search for providers who are offering COVID-19 vaccine to Minnesotans ages 12 and older at https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp .
• Vaccine Finder : You can also find COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov , which allows you to filter by vaccine manufacturer and search for only Pfizer vaccine appointments.
• Health Care Provider : You can also contact your child’s primary health care provider, local public health department, or a local pharmacy.

How Minnesotans Can Get a COVID-19 Test at No Cost:

• Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s community testing sites across Minnesota: https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/community-testing.jsp .
• Order a test through the state’s at-home COVID-19 testing program: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html .