MINNEAPOLIS — Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday that Minnesota currently ranks third in the nation for adults who have completed their initial COVID-19 vaccination series, in addition to a booster shot.
Walz made the announcement alongside former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcolm as they all received their COVID-19 booster shot.
“Minnesotans understand that following the science and ensuring they’re best protected against COVID-19 is how we will curb the spread of this deadly virus,” said Walz. “Today I got my booster shot to maximize my level of protection and I encourage all eligible Minnesotans to do the same."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says 10.2% of Minnesota adults have received the booster, third only to Alaska and Vermont.
“I am proud of Minnesotans for continuing to take easy prevention measures to keep themselves and their communities safe from COVID-19,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
All Minnesotans who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended to get a booster shot at least two months after their vaccine. Those who initially received Moderna or Pfizer can get a booster shot 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
The announcement comes as MDH confirmed the number of COVID-19 cases in the state increased by 6,583 over the weekend.
MDH no longer shares data on weekends, so numbers released on Tuesdays reflect reports from 4 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday.
Officials also reported 22 more deaths, bringing the cumulative COVID-19 death total to 8,581 since the pandemic began.
Anyone looking to start their initial vaccine series, or find a booster, can visit the state's Vaccine Locator Map here.
Walk-in appointments are accepted at any of Minnesota's COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites. You can find a list of those here.
For a vaccine appointment, click here, or contact your primary health care provider or local pharmacy.