ST. PAUL - After the Governor's Office was criticized for a slow distribution of more than 500,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses that have been allocated to Minnesota, State Representative Joe Schomacker said the administration is now taking steps to improve their rating. It has opened up the availability of the vaccine to include all Minnesotans age over the age of 65 and started a new community COVID-19 vaccine program at nine locations in Minnesota - including Rochester and North Mankato - that would help with vaccinations.
"Any way we can get more COVID-19 vaccines to those who need it is a positive development," Schomacker said. "There is no reason we should be sitting on these doses. Let's get them to our front line workers, our elderly, our most vulnerable residents and those who care for them as quickly as we can. I hear from area hospitals that they can be more helpful with more direction from state partners, and we should be doing more of that."
Last week, it was noted that Minnesota ranked last in the Midwest in total percent of our supply used (34%), and last in the Midwest for doses administered per 100 people.
Schomacker said if you're interested in trying to make an appointment, visit 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.
Available appointments will refresh every Tuesday at noon. Minnesotans will have the opportunity to schedule appointments for both their first and second doses of vaccine.