Minnesota to begin administering Moderna, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots

On Friday, Gov. Tim Walz announced that the state will begin to administer Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots to eligible Minnesotans in line with federal guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC’s guidance, Minnesotans who received either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can get a booster at least six months after their initial series if they are:

• 65 years and older;
• Age 18 and older and live in long-term care settings;
• Age 18 and older and have underlying medical conditions;
• Age 18 and older and work or live in high-risk settings.

All Minnesotans ages 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended to get a booster shot at least two months after their initial vaccine.

Health officials also authorized "mixing and matching" COVID-19 vaccine boosters, meaning anybody who is eligible to get a booster shot can get any of the three currently authorized or approved vaccines regardless of what product they received for their primary series. Residents can direct questions about mixing and matching doses to their health care provider.

"Federal authorization of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster doses means more Minnesotans will be able to maximize their protection against COVID-19," Walz said. "As a Johnson & Johnson recipient myself, I am excited to be able to get boosted protection against this virus, especially as the weather gets colder, the holidays approach, and more of our interactions and activities move indoors. Minnesotans who are recommended to get a booster should roll up their sleeves and get their shot."

Minnesota providers offering the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are now able to offer booster doses to eligible Minnesotans. The state has enough vaccine doses to provide shots to everyone who needs one; both primary series doses and boosters. Vaccine providers include pharmacies (many of which accept walk-ins), health care systems, community clinics, local public health agencies and tribal health agencies.

Those seeking a booster shot can click here to find a provider near them to schedule an appointment or find a walk-in clinic.