Neighbors, The Center for Disease Control has approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11, following an extensive clinical trial and final recommendations. Minnesota has launched a new webpage to help parents and guardians find a vaccine for their young children and answer questions about the vaccine. A diverse network of providers – hospitals, clinics, local public health, Tribal health agencies, pharmacies, school located clinics and state-run community clinics – is available to administer vaccines to our children as quickly as possible.  To find a vaccine for your child: - Visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to find clinic locations near you.
- Check with?their pediatrician, family medicine clinic or pharmacy about?appointments.
- Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at schools or other community locations.
Make sure the vaccine location provides the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5-11. Not all Pfizer vaccine providers will have the vials specifically packaged for that age group. Minnesotans with questions about the vaccine can also call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053. The hotline is available Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. REMINDER: Booster Shots Available for those 12 and Older Available According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, Minnesotans who got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine can now get a booster at least six months after their initial series 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; or are age 18 and older and work or live in high-risk settings. Anyone aged 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended to get a booster shot at least 2 months after their initial vaccine. You can also 'mix and match' COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccine near you, use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map, contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy, walk in to one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites or call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053 Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Honoring Veterans Yesterday, I attended a regional Veterans Day Rotary Lunch. The guest speaker, Sergeant Joshua Guyse, reminded us how important it is to truly honor the service of veterans by making sure veterans’ needs are being met. For some veterans these needs include stable housing and access to healthcare including mental healthcare and suicide prevention. These are issues Senator Cwodzinki and I will continue to work on next session.  Pictured with me: Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case, Minnesota National Guard Sergeant First Class Joshua Guyse, Sen. Steve Cwodzinski. Infrastructure Package Approved Congress passed the bipartisan infrastructure deal, providing generational investments all over Minnesota. You can read more here.  Apply for State Boards, Councils, and Commissions Serving on a state board, council, or commission is a great way to contribute your expertise to Minnesota. These groups are responsible for advising the Governor and the Legislature, overseeing professional licensing, and protecting our environment. Nearly 100 of them are accepting applications right now. Find a list of current openings on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. Minnesota Values Project Share your thoughts on how we can make Minnesota a better place to live, work, and play by taking the Minnesota Values Project Survey. Thank you for providing your thoughts about Minnesota’s future! _____________________ Stay connected with the legislature Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Laurie Pryor State Representative |