[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced today that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has hosted more than 1,000 community COVID-19 vaccination events since February in partnership with Minnesota community organizations and providers. The clinics have expanded access and improved equitable distribution of the vaccine. By working with trusted community institutions and hosting 1,022 clinics in convenient locations, Minnesota has steadily reduced the gap in first dose vaccination rates between Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities and the statewide average.

MDH has partnered with a range of vaccine providers and community groups to host these vaccination clinics, including local public health agencies, health care systems, tribal nations, pharmacies, clinics, and regional healthcare coalitions.

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Coordinators – community-based organizations that connect Minnesota’s diverse communities to COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and other resources – have been a crucial partner in hosting community events and expanding access in their communities.

Since May 1, the gap between first-dose vaccination rates in BIPOC communities and the statewide average has decreased by the following:

• Hispanic Minnesotans: 79%
• Black Minnesotans: 66%
• Native American Minnesotans: nearly 10%

The gap between first-dose vaccination rates in Minnesotans living in the most disadvantaged zip codes and the statewide average has decreased by 31%.

“Ensuring equitable vaccine access has been at the heart of our vaccination effort throughout this pandemic, and I am so grateful for the tireless efforts on the part of so many who have contributed to this work. More Minnesotans across the state have been able to easily access the vaccine thanks to the over 1,000 vaccination events we have hosted with community groups and institutions,” said Governor Walz. “While we’re making progress, there is still more work to do to make sure every Minnesotan can get their shot, and we’re not slowing down. Now that every Minnesotan 5 years of age and older can get the vaccine, we’re expanding our community clinic mission in school buildings to make sure every child and family in Minnesota can get protection from COVID-19. My deepest gratitude to our community partners who continue to serve Minnesotans everywhere.”

“COVID-19 has shone a bright light on the healthcare disparities that exist in communities around the country. In Minnesota, we are making a concerted effort to improve outcomes and protect families everywhere, and these 1,000 community vaccination events are a critical part of that effort,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I’m proud of our continued partnership with community groups and healthcare providers who are pushing to expand access to the vaccine so every Minnesotan has their chance to get these life-saving shots. Thank you to everyone who has put in the hard work to make sure this happens.”

“Working directly with the community is critical when it comes to addressing public health challenges, and this is especially true when it comes to advancing health equity,” said MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “We are so thankful for the tremendous partners we have all around the state, and we are committed to working with them to make sure every Minnesotan has access to the tools that protect us all from COVID-19.”

“This wouldn’t be possible without our community partners who have provided COVID-19 vaccines creatively and thoughtfully around the state,” said Dr. Nathan Chomilo, Senior Equity Advisor to the Commissioner at MDH. “Barbershops, elementary and high schools, community colleges, concert venues, county fairs, the State Fair, food shelves, homeless shelters, housing complexes, Head Start sites, YMCAs, professional sports teams, casinos, car dealerships, libraries, community centers, churches, MSP airport and numerous other sites have stepped up to help us reach communities who have historically been hardly reached. We also know we have a lot more work to do. This success demonstrates how showing up consistently in community will be critical to continue beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.”

• Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Coordinators, a coalition of 38 groups that have hosted 485 clinics and provided nearly 13,000 shots;
• Since 5- to 11-year-olds were make eligible for the vaccine last Wednesday, 11 schools have hosted vaccination events and administered more than 2,200 shots to children. To ensure access and equity, we are partnering with school districts and charter schools to host 35 vaccination clinics in school buildings for children and families over the next two weeks;
• The Mobile Vaccination Bus Project, which administered 7,200 shots during 170 unique clinics in 42 counties across the state during an initial rollout over the summer;
• The Shots at the Shop initiative, which saw fourteen barbershops participate in a nationwide program to engage Black-owned barbershops and beauty salons to support local vaccine education and outreach efforts. One shop in North Minneapolis continues to offer on-site vaccinations to patrons and the community.

Communities or organizations can get more information about requesting a vaccination event on the MDH website: Host a Community COVID-19 Vaccination Event .

How eligible Minnesotans can get their free shot:

• Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
  • Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
    • 1-833-431-2053
    • Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Check for vaccine appointments using the CDC’s Vaccine Finder . You can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
• Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.

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