Gov. Walz announced Monday morning an expansion of Minnesota’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan that’ll eliminate some of the pilot sites that were up and running last month in favor of making more shots available at doctor’s offices and medical facilities.
“We have long planned for most Minnesotans to get vaccinated in the places they are used to getting their health care – places like smaller clinics, local hospitals, and community pharmacies,” Gov. Walz said in a statement. “We still need more supply, but we have to work quickly with what we do have and be ready when the federal government ramps up to meet the demand.”
Walz said the changes will help provide vaccine access for more than 35,000 Minnesotans ages 65 and over, with shots available at clinics, hospitals, state community sites, and other locations.
Minnesota is also setting up two, large-scale permanent community vaccination sites, one in Minneapolis, the other in Duluth.
A third site is expected to go on-line next week in southern Minnesota, and there is the possibility of similar facilities launching in the near future.
Last week, more than 220,000 Minnesota seniors registered for the state’s vaccine pilot program registry.
Those who signed up but were not selected remain on the list and continue to have the opportunity to schedule an appointment.
More details are expected during a Monday afternoon briefing by the governor.