Test program to expand COVID-19 vaccinations to elderly, teachers in Minnesota

Minnesota is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination efforts with a test program allowing for limited doses to be provided in some sites across the state to people 65 and older as well as teachers and child care providers.

Gov. Tim Walz disclosed the next step in a news release on Monday and was scheduled to discuss the next step in a briefing at 2 p.m.

"By beginning to serve those age 65 and older, educators and child care workers, we are immunizing for impact," the governor said. "It's a step in the right direction on this long road to recovery."

Nearly 200,000 Minnesotans have received at least first doses of two-dose vaccines to protect against COVID-19, an infectious disease that has caused 5,939 deaths in the state.

The Minnesota Department of Health on Monday reported 194,462 people, or 3.5% of the state population, has received first doses and that 38,025 have received both doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Walz announcement comes amid progress in vaccinating the initial priority group of roughly 500,000 health care workers or long-term care facility staff and residents.

The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that the next priority group include people 75 and older, and workers in front-line essential industries, but the Trump administration last week gave states flexibility to expand beyond these groups.

Walz announcement stated that nine pilot sites in Minnesota will begin offering vaccinations to the elderly and teachers, starting on Thursday. Eligible people could make appointments on a state website starting Tuesday.

State health officials have called vaccine the endgame to a pandemic that has caused 447,349 diagnosed infections and resulted in hospitalizations for 23,428 Minnesotans. The latest tallies include 12 deaths and 980 infections reported on Monday.

The latest state vaccine data also shows a rising rate of distribution efficiency — with 45.1% of Minnesota's immediately available supply being administered. The remaining unused doses include some still being shipped from the federal Operation Warp Speed program to providers in Minnesota, and second doses that must be administered three to four weeks after the first ones.

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines showed in clinical trials last year to be 95% effective at preventing the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 if administered on schedule.

Minnesota's vaccination strategy so far has assigned doses to eight regional health care coalitions, which then distribute them to give to health care workers and some long-term care facilities. The rest are diverted to a federal program in which chain pharmacies Walgreens, CVS, and Thrifty White vaccinate long-term care residents, who are at elevated risk of severe illness and have suffered 64% of the COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota.

Walgreens on Monday posted data showing that it had completed vaccine clinics in 103 of 104 assigned nursing homes — accounting for 8,592 people. It also has provided vaccine clinics in 95 of 845 assigned assisted-living facilities, accounting for 4,525 people. CVS is now regularly publicizing its progress as well.

Jeremy Olson • 612-673-7744

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