Coronavirus Vaccine In MN: How To Schedule An Appointment

TWIN CITIES, MN — Minnesotans who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to schedule an appointment at one of the nine pilot sites launching around the state this week.

Appointment scheduling will be available here starting at 12 p.m. on Tuesday. Sites will begin offering vaccines on Thursday.

The sites will initially serve adults 65 or older, teachers, school staff members, and childcare workers, MDH says:

Minnesotans age 65 and older can make appointments by visiting mn.gov/vaccine or by calling 612-426-7230 or toll free, 1-833-431-2053.

Minnesotans should attempt to make an appointment online before dialing the call center.

Minnesotans who cannot immediately make an appointment may be able to sign up for a waitlist.

"We are building for the future and doing what we can to get more shots to Minnesotans right now," said Gov. Tim Walz in a news release Monday.

"By beginning to serve those age 65 and older, educators and child care workers, we are immunizing for impact. It’s a step in the right direction on this long road to recovery. The federal government has been giving mixed messages on vaccine availability and guidance, and we need them to step up and get more vaccine to the state. When they do, we will be ready. The end of this pandemic is closer today than it was yesterday."

Healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff are already receiving the vaccine through their workplace, care facility, or local clinic.

As of Monday, 194,462 Minnesotans have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 38,000 have completed their vaccine series.

Walz administration criticizes "botched" federal rollout

Walz's office Monday noted that there is a very limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota, "and despite promises from the Trump administration of additional allocations, Minnesota has not yet received an increase in weekly doses."

Walz is calling on the federal government to purchase more vaccines. He sent a letter with other governors expressing frustration with the current administration’s "botched" COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

"All Minnesotans are encouraged to remain patient as more vaccine arrives in the weeks and months ahead," Walz's office said in a statement.