Minnesota hits COVID-19 vaccination goal of 70% of people 16-year-old and older with 1 dose

KSTP
[KSTP]

Gov. Tim Walz announced on Thursday, Minnesota has surpassed 70% of adults 16 years of age and older with at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and more than six million total doses administered.

According to Walz, the number of first doses administered per week is up 129% from one month ago.

“Minnesotans are continuing to answer the urgent call and do their part to end this pandemic,” said Walz. “The data is clear: vaccines are our key to fighting COVID-19 and the Delta variant, and millions of Minnesotans rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. While we are making progress, there is no time to waste in making sure every Minnesotan who can get the shot does so. It will save lives.”

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minnesota currently leads the Midwest in the percentage of the overall population who have completed their vaccination series (54.4%) and residents 65-and-older with at least one vaccine dose (93%). Minnesota is still one of only two Midwestern states to achieve President Joe Biden’s goal to get 70% of adults 18+ at least one vaccine dose by July 4.

Minnesotans who get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine now until Aug. 15 can get a $100 Visa gift card. Reward requests must be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 15, 2021. Vaccine information will be subject to verification by the Department of Health.

How Minnesotans can get their free shot:

  • Walk in or make an appointment through the Vaccine Connector.
  • Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline: 1-833-431-2053
  • Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
  • Check for vaccine appointments using the Vaccine Finder. You can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
  • Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
  • Employers may also reach out with information about vaccination opportunities.