Coronavirus Vaccine: How To Schedule Shot In Twin Cities Metro

TWIN CITIES, MN — State officials Monday announced updates to the registration process for the second week of Minnesota's COVID-19 vaccination pilot program, saying it now accounts for the anticipated high demand for appointments.

Until the pilot program began Tuesday, COVID-19 vaccinations were being handled exclusively through hospitals, clinics, long-term care sites, and other "hub" sites. Now, the state is setting up its own administration sites.

The "first-come, first-served" system that was used Tuesday for the state's appointments has been eliminated, and the selection process will now be randomized.

"This is about having the infrastructure in place to be ready when the federal government finally begins to send us more vaccine," Gov. Tim Walz said in a news release.

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"Every shot in the arm is another step toward crushing COVID and ending this pandemic. And we're going to get the vaccine we do have into arms quickly in Minnesota – whether that’s a few thousand doses or many more."

The pilot clinic that opened initially in Andover has relocated to Blaine. Pilot clinics in Brooklyn Center and St. Paul will also open. The Blaine and Brooklyn Center will serve only adults 65 years of age and older.

Here's what is changing to the process:

Minnesotans age 65 and older will now have a 24-hour window of time beginning at 5:00 am Tuesday to pre-register for a randomized opportunity to get an appointment. Signing up for the pre-registration list means you will have a chance to be randomly selected, so you do not have to register right away: it is not a first come, first serve system.

Minnesotans can pre-register online here. Pre-registering will be open from 5 a.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Minnesotans can also call 833-431-2053 to sign up. The call center will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Approximately 8,000 doses of the vaccine will be available to Minnesotans age 65 and over at the pilot community clinics this week.

Mass vaccination event for teachers and childcare providers

Minnesota will host a mass vaccination pilot event for Twin Cities metro area educators, school staff, and child care providers at the Xcel Energy Center starting Thursday. A total of 15,000 Moderna vaccine doses to be administered Thursday through Monday at the stadium.

School districts, charter schools, tribal schools, and nonpublic school organizations will work directly with employees to secure appointments. There will be no individual appoints accepted.

Clinics are not open to walk-ups. Child care programs are randomly selected and will be notified if vaccines are available.