Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have taken decisive action to curb the spread of COVID-19, support health care providers and facilities, and mitigate the impact on Minnesota families. On this page you will find the latest press releases, statements, and other information on COVID-19.
Governor Walz thanks essential workers who made public vaccination sites possible; Minnesotans who have not received their vaccine are still encouraged to get theirs at one of 700 sites statewide where vaccines are available
7/9/2021 9:23:05 AM
After reaching the goal set by President Biden and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to vaccinate 70% of Minnesota’s 18-and-older population by July 4, Governor Tim Walz announced today that the State of Minnesota will wind down its mass vaccination sites, while continuing efforts to make vaccines accessible with smaller community vaccination sites.
With the exception of the Mall of America location, final doses will be administered at Community Vaccination Program mass vaccination sites on or before August 7. Minnesotans who have not received their vaccine are still encouraged to get theirs at one of 700 pharmacies, primary care providers, and smaller state-run sites where vaccines will be available across the state.
“Our Community Vaccination Program is an example of what can be accomplished through partnership, determination, and hard work,” said Governor Walz. “This program helped turn the tide on the pandemic here in Minnesota, saving countless lives. To the coalition that answered the call to meet this moment — from the courageous men and women of the Minnesota National Guard, to our nurses administering the life-saving vaccine, to the team who built the program from the ground up, and so many more — Minnesota thanks you.”
The State of Minnesota and healthcare providers established a durable, expansive network of around 700 providers offering free and effective COVID-19 vaccines across the state, including at hospitals, doctor’s offices, local pharmacies, and pop-up community vaccination events.
The Community Vaccination Program locations have been an effective part of the state’s vaccination ecosystem by expanding access to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and increasing vaccination opportunities during periods of highest demand.
Since January 2021, the state has administered over 618,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine across Minnesota through the Community Vaccination Program.
“We are working hard to get shots to as many people as possible through local providers and community-based events,” Walz continued. “We will continue our collaboration with diverse partnerships to equitably distribute vaccines in every community and every corner of this state.”
“I am so proud of the Community Vaccination Program and the hundreds of individuals who made it possible, from our COVID-19 Community Coordinators to our Local Public Health partners and beyond,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We know there is more work to do to reach all of our neighbors, but Minnesota is on offense in this next stage of the pandemic response. In the months ahead, we will continue to prioritize the equitable distribution of vaccine until we put this pandemic behind us.”
As of July 11, Minnesota’s state-run Community Vaccination Program locations in Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, St. Paul (Roy Wilkins), Lino Lakes, and Oakdale will only offer second doses of the vaccine.
MSP Terminal 1 (terminal access required), and MSP Terminal 2 (open to general public) will continue to offer the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccination for people 18 years or older until August 7.
The vaccination site at the Mall of America will remain open to serve individuals in both an appointment and walk-up capacity. This site will continue administering the Pfizer vaccine, and it will accept patients 12 years of age and older. Parent or guardian consent is required for COVID-19 vaccination for people younger than 18 years old.
By August 8, all Community Vaccination Program sites will close, except for Mall of America, which will continue to administer vaccines.
Hundreds of providers offer vaccines across the state. Minnesotans can always find vaccine locations close to them by using the Find Vaccine Locations map or by visiting vaccines.gov.
How Minnesotans Can Get their Free Shot after August 7:
About the Community Vaccination Program:
Initiated in January 2020 with the establishment of the state’s Vaccine Pilot Program, the Community Vaccination Program served 21 different cities and administered over 618,000 doses.
In total, the Program hosted 27 different community vaccination sites or events: 10 pilot pop-ups, 10 semi-permanent sites and 7 temporary events.
