More than 2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses now administered in Minnesota

Gov. Tim Walz announced on Thursday that Minnesota had administered more than two million COVID-19 vaccine doses. Walz said it took less than one month to administer the second million doses while it took more than two months for the state to administer the first million doses.

Minnesota has increased vaccination rates as supply has increased from the federal government and Walz said there continues to be expanded capacity in the state’s vaccine distribution network.

“Hope is on the horizon as more than two million doses of life-saving vaccines have gone into the arms of our loved ones in Minnesota,” Walz said. “With our strong network of hard-working providers and Minnesotans doing their part to end this pandemic by rolling up their sleeves when it’s their turn, we are proud of our state for working together and leading the nation in vaccine administration. We look forward to celebrating these remarkable milestones at an increasing pace this spring as vaccine supply continues to grow.”

“Every vaccine administered is a shot of hope, and we have two million shots of hope to celebrate today,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “We will continue working around the clock to provide that hope to each and every Minnesotan — safely, fairly, and equitably — as we receive more vaccine in state in the coming weeks. Minnesotans are answering the call to roll up their sleeves when it’s their turn, and brighter days are on the horizon.”

As of Thursday’s vaccine report, 1,303,210 Minnesotans had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 764,275 Minnesotans are fully vaccinated. Nearly 77% of adults 65 years of age and older have received at least one dose.

Walz said there have been several steps taken to increase the pace of vaccination in Minnesota. In addition to the state’s expansive network of providers and pharmacies, Minnesota has stood up several community vaccination sites to increase capacity, including a new site launched this week in St. Cloud. Walz also signed a bill into law this month authorizing qualified dentists to administer coronavirus vaccinations to help prepare for increased vaccine supply.

Weeks ahead of schedule, Minnesota hit its goal of vaccinating 70% of people age 65+ and Walz expanded eligibility to 1.8 million more people last week, allowing even more Minnesotans who need the vaccine to receive it.

According to the release, Minnesota continues to rank in the top 10 among states for the percentage of doses received that have been administered. State and public health officials are urging Minnesotans to remain vigilant and continue following critical safety measures of social distancing, masking, washing hands, and getting tested when needed