[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today, Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota is now third in the country for percentage of fully vaccinated adults with COVID-19 booster doses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Minnesota has administered booster doses to 10.8% of fully vaccinated adults, behind only Alaska and Vermont.

The announcement comes as Governor Walz, former Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcolm received their COVID-19 vaccine booster this afternoon. In March, Governor Walz received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine alongside former Republican Governor Pawlenty in a bipartisan effort to encourage Minnesotans to roll up their sleeves and get their shot.

“Minnesotans understand that following the science and ensuring they’re best protected against COVID-19 is how we will curb the spread of this deadly virus,” said Governor Walz. “ Today I got my booster shot to maximize my level of protection and I encourage all eligible Minnesotans to do the same. You can get your Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson booster dose from a pharmacy, clinic, or provider near you.”

“I am proud of Minnesotans for continuing to take easy prevention measures to keep themselves and their communities safe from COVID-19,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “If you’re recommended to get a booster dose, get that free, safe, extra level of protection before the winter holidays.”

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, Minnesotans who got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine can now get a booster at least six months after their initial series if they are:

• 65 years and older;
• Age 18 and older and live in long-term care settings;
• Age 18 and older and have underlying medical conditions;
• Age 18 and older and work or live in high-risk settings;

All Minnesotans age 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended to get a booster shot at least 2 months after their initial vaccine.

Photos of Governor Walz and former Republican Governor Pawlenty receiving their COVID-19 vaccine booster can be found here .

How Minnesotans can get their free shot:

• Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
• Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
• Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
• Walk in to one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites .
  • Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
    • 1-833-431-2053
    • Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:

• Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free community testing sites across Minnesota: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites .
• Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program: COVID-19 Test at Home .
• Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map: Find Testing Locations .