Minnesota Kids And The Pfizer Vaccine: What To Know

TWIN CITIES, MN — Minnesota is ready to begin vaccinating children ages 12 to 15 this week, Gov. Tim Walz said Monday. Walz’s announcement came hours after the Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer/BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for children as young as 12.

The Centers for Disease Control is expected to give final approval later this week in Wednesday’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting.

Minnesota parents will likely be able to make appointments for vaccinations later this week, according to Walz’s office. Parent or guardian consent is required for COVID-19 vaccination for people under 18.

"This is an extraordinary development on our path back to normalcy — we now have nearly 300,000 more Minnesotans eligible to roll up their sleeves and get life-saving protection from this deadly disease," Walz said in a news release.

"We have been planning and preparing for this moment and are ready to begin vaccinating teens 12 and older. Start making your plan, Minnesota — let’s get our kids their shot as soon as possible so they are fully vaccinated and protected in time for a fun, safe summer."

The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine that is set to receive approval for people ages 12 to 15.

Here is how you can receive the Pfizer vaccine in Minnesota:

• Minnesota Vaccine Connector program.
• The Minnesota Vaccine Locator Map
• The federal Vaccine Finder
• Reach out to your child's primary health care provider, a local public health department, or a local pharmacy

"The Pfizer vaccine has gone through rigorous clinical trials on children in this age group and has proven to be a highly safe and effective preventative measure against the deadly coronavirus," said Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcom.

"Minnesota parents can feel confident in the science, medical experts, and federal guidelines expanding authorization to 12-to-15-year-olds, and I hope they get their children vaccinated as soon as possible. Every person who gets vaccinated helps us slow the spread of this disease and protect those who cannot get vaccinated."

More than 60 percent of Minnesota residents 16 and older — or 2,660,945 people — have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Just over 49 percent have completed their vaccine series.

Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday that once 70 percent of Minnesotans ages 16 and older receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the mask mandate will end. The mandate will end regardless on July 1, according to Walz.

ALSO READ: MN Counties With Highest, Lowest COVID-19 Vaccine Rate: LIST

"I am so excited to get our kids back to all the things they love this summer — camps, sports, activities, vacations, and more," said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.

"And now, with the ability to get vaccinated, our teens 12 and older can have a significant level of extra protection to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe. This is a great day for progress and I hope Minnesotans take advantage of this life-saving opportunity and get their shot as soon as possible."