MDH COVID-19 mobile vaccination units project extended

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced on Monday that it is extending the COVID-19 mobile vaccination unit project that aims to reduce barriers and help increase equitable access to vaccination.

The success and popularity of the units over the spring and summer has prompted the health department to keep some buses in service.

According to MDH, from April through August, six mobile vaccination units administered over 7,200 doses of COVID-19 vaccine at 170 clinics in 42 counties across the state.

Two of the mobile vaccination units will remain in use through MDH’s community vaccination program. The program is also looking into ways to use the buses to provide other routine vaccines in the future.

Communities or organizations can get more information about requesting a vaccination event on the MDH website.

"We are excited to see that communities are using this resource, and we are thrilled to continue serving Minnesotans with this unique program," said MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm. "Vaccination is vital to stopping the spread of COVID-19, and every Minnesotan deserves access to life-saving vaccines. Working toward equitable COVID-19 vaccination rates has been at the core of our work, and the mobile vaccination units have helped fill a gap in being able to bring vaccines directly to people who might not otherwise have the chance to get vaccinated."

The mobile units seek to prioritize vulnerable and underserved communities. Focus communities for the mobile units include people of color, urban Native Americans, LGBTQI+, people with disabilities and unique health needs, people living in isolation, and people experiencing homelessness.

For more information, click here.