Walz: Minnesota sixth in the nation for 5-11 vaccinations and booster doses

(ABC 6 News) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday that the state is among the top for vaccination rates of 5 to 11-year-olds as well as the rate of administering booster doses to adults.

Minnesota currently sits sixth in the nation for the percentage of 5 to 11-year-olds who have at least on COVID-19 vaccine dose.

The state ranks second in the nation in the percent of fully vaccinated people with booster doses. According to a press release on Tuesday, providers across the state have administered more than 881,000 third doses and booster doses, and according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minnesota follows only Vermont in booster administration.

“We need every eligible Minnesotan vaccinated to slow the spread of COVID in our schools and communities and help our overburdened hospitals,” said Governor Walz.

“Right now, thousands of families are stepping up to get their children vaccinated and boost their own protection. I am proud of our state for meeting this moment and doing our part to curb this current surge. This holiday season: get your children vaccinated, and get your booster when you’re due.”

How families can find a shot for their child:

• Visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to find clinic locations near you.
• Check with their pediatrician, family medicine clinic, or local pharmacy about appointments.
• Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at schools or other community locations around Minnesota.

How Minnesotans can get their free shot:

• Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
• Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
• Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
• Walk in to or make an appointment at one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites.
• Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
• 1-833-431-2053
• Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:

• Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free community testing sites across Minnesota: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites.
• Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program: COVID-19 Test at Home.
• Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map: Find Testing Locations.