More Minnesotans are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine after the state's vaccine rollout expanded on Tuesday.
Dr. David Hilden at Hennepin Healthcare joined the WCCO Radio Morning News with Dave Lee on Tuesday to discuss the expansion.
"I think we're going to see a lot of people calling and saying, 'Hey, I'm 21 years old, can I get it?' Hilden said. "It's not quite so fast. Eligibility doesn't mean there's a whole bunch of vaccines that magically appeared on our shelves."
Those with underlying health conditions, or who are more at-risk of contracting COVID-19 remain the priority for the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
"We're doing our best to still get it to the most vulnerable people with the supply that we have," said Dr. Hilden.
State officials expect a major expansion in vaccine doses to arrive in Minnesota by early April.
"There will be in the coming days, or at least coming week or two, almost no reason why any adult Minnesotan shouldn't be able to get the vaccine," Dr. Hilden said. "I would just encourage people in the strongest terms I possibly could, if you want to do what's best not only for yourself, family, and community...go get your vaccine just as soon as you possibly can."
Over 1.6 million Minnesotans have received at least one dose, with 990,854 individuals receiving two doses.
In a sign of solidarity Gov. Tim Walz and former Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty will receive the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine Tuesday afternoon.
