Minnesota launches website to connect people with latest COVID vaccine information
The State of Minnesota has launched a website where people can sign up to find out when, where and how to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
The state is encouraging everyone to sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector regardless of if they're eligible for the vaccine right now as it will alert them when they do become eligible.
“We still have a frustratingly limited vaccine supply from the federal government, but every Minnesotan should know their chance to get a vaccine will come. Today, we are connecting them directly to that process,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a Thursday news release.
"We need to make it as easy as possible for every Minnesotan to get the vaccine when it’s their turn – no matter where they live and no matter their personal circumstances. The options we’re providing will help make that happen.”
Walz says the Vaccine Connector will help connect Minnesotans to the state's established network of pharmacies and health care systems that are administering the vaccine once it's their turn to get one. The hope is that it will also help improve access for communities of color.
“The Vaccine Connector will play a vital role moving forward to help us connect each and every Minnesotan to a vaccine once they’re eligible,” Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said in the release. “We are working hard to make sure folks in every community in Minnesota feel connected to our vaccine network and know-how to get a vaccine safely and confidently once supply increases.”
When someone becomes available to get the vaccine under state guidelines, the Vaccine Connector will alert them, connect them with resources to schedule an appointment and notify them of vaccine opportunities in their area.
To sign up for the Vaccine Connector click here or call 833-431-2053 (the translation hotline is 833-431-2053). When you sign up, you'll be asked your contact information, medical history, employment information and demographic data.
Currently, the State of Minnesota is still prioritizing people over age 65, health care workers, long-term care residents, educators and child care workers.
State officials remind Minnesotans that demand for the COVID vaccine still far exceeds the supply, so people should remain patient as more doses arrive in the weeks and months to come.
So far, more than 695,000 Minnesotans have received one dose of vaccine, while another 246,341 have received two.
