[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota has vaccinated more than 25% of children 5- to 11-years-old in just the first month of eligibility for this age group. As of Tuesday’s report, more than 128,000 Minnesotans 5- to 11-years-old have rolled up their sleeves and received at least one vaccine dose.

Minnesota is currently ranked first in the Midwest and sixth in the nation for the percentage of children 5- to 11-years-old who have at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose.

“The single most important thing you can do to protect your family from this virus this holiday season is get your family vaccinated,” said Governor Walz. “I am proud of our state for leading the Midwest in child vaccinations. One in four Minnesotans under 11 have now rolled up their sleeves, and I encourage all Minnesotans to get their kids vaccinated – and tested – to keep COVID-19 out of their holiday gatherings.”

“There is no greater gift this holiday season than seeing tens of thousands of Minnesota families getting their children protected from COVID-19,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We’re leading the Midwest in child vaccinations, and let’s not stop here. Get your kids vaccinated at this critical point in the pandemic to help keep from unknowingly spreading the virus among loved ones as we gather for the holidays.”

Parents can learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens and find where to get their children vaccinated at mn.gov/vaxforkids.

How families can find a shot for their child:

• Visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to find clinic locations near you.
• Check with their pediatrician, family medicine clinic, or local pharmacy about appointments.
• Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at schools or other community locations around Minnesota.

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 or make an appointment at 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 .