Walz, Malcolm get 2nd COVID booster

Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm received their second COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.

More than 263,000 Minnesotans have received a second booster, according to state data.

Federal health officials have authorized a second booster for people at least 50 years of age, immunocompromised people at least 12 years old, and those who are 18 or older and got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for their first and booster dose.

“Getting vaccinated is the best and easiest way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19,” Walz said in a statement. “I encourage all Minnesotans to talk to their health care provider and get their second booster when it’s recommended. It’s never too late to get vaccinated and keep up the fight against COVID-19.”

“The evidence continues to show that COVID-19 vaccination and boosters help protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and death,” Malcolm added. “Second booster doses are available now for those who are 50 and older, as well as those 12 and older with certain underlying conditions and those 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for their initial and booster doses. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccination is a great way to help protect yourself and those around you.”

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