Hi Neighbors,
Two weeks ago, I sent you an email with information about Minnesota’s vaccine rollout. Thanks to your helpful feedback and response to that email, my team and I have added additional information and some updates since my last email. This information was compiled on March 3rd, 2021 and will change as more vaccines become available, so please check here for the latest information about COVID-19 vaccinations from the Minnesota Department of Health.
As you may know, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for a new, single-shot COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, February 27th, 2021. This is now the third vaccine to receive authorization in the US. You can read about the FDA’s process for review and authorization here. While I expect that this will further accelerate the timeline for vaccine distribution, as President Biden noted earlier this week, please read on to find more information about the current state of vaccine distribution in Minnesota:
VACCINES FOR VETERANS
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently offering and administering COVID-19 vaccines to veterans already receiving care from the VA, based on CDC and VA risk criteria. If you’re eligible to get a vaccine, the VA health care system will contact you. Veterans who are not enrolled or do not currently receive care at VA can visit VA’s Eligibility web page to learn more.
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is targeting outreach for Veterans in high risk populations including homeless Veterans, Veterans who receive home based primary care, inpatients, and Veterans with select high risk conditions who are followed by Specialty Providers.
Who is currently eligible to get vaccinated by the MN VA?
All enrolled Veterans 75+ who receive health care with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System are now eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccine through the VA. In addition, enrolled Veterans who are frontline essential workers, 18 or older, that receive care from the VA System are now also eligible. This includes:
- First responders – e.g., firefighters and police
- Corrections officers
- Food and agriculture workers
- U.S. Postal Service workers
- Manufacturing workers
- Grocery store workers
- Public transit workers
- Those who work in the education sector (e.g., teachers and support staff)
- Childcare workers
- Healthcare workers
If you, or a veteran you know, are eligible to receive the vaccine but have not yet been contacted, you can schedule your appointments by calling 612-467-1301. The VA is also offering community clinic vaccine appointment opportunities for first doses with second doses scheduled at the same location three weeks later. You can find upcoming clinic dates here.
The VA Health Care System will continue to share the latest information about opportunities to get the vaccine on short notice with last-minute clinics, so make sure you are connected with your VA.
How can I stay up-to-date with the VA?
- Follow the VA on social media at Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Sign-up for GovDelivery email news
- Ensure the VA has your accurate contact information
- Sign up to stay informed to report your interest in getting vaccinated
- Visit the VA’s vaccine page here to find updates and sign up to stay informed
MN VACCINE ROLLOUT TIMELINE
The Walz administration is anticipating that by April people with specific high-risk conditions and targeted essential workers will be eligible to receive the vaccine. You can find more information about vaccine eligibility here or in the graphic below:
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For a complete list of who is eligible for a vaccine at this time, and more information about coronavirus vaccine phases and planning, please click here.
WHERE CAN I GET A VACCINE?
You can use this vaccine locator to find a COVID-19 vaccination site near you. Health systems are currently offering appointments to their patients by invitation only and are abiding by MN eligibility guidelines. Please contact the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) at (651) 297-1304 or (1-800) 657-3504 with questions and make sure to check with your medical provider that your account is active and your contact information is current.
State health officials recently launched the Vaccine Connector to alert you when you are eligible to receive a vaccine, connect you with resources to schedule an appointment, and notify you if there are opportunities to be vaccinated in your area. They are asking that Minnesotans 18 and older register so that the state can eventually notify you where, when, and how you can be vaccinated. If you have questions about the Vaccine Connector or need assistance filling it out, please call the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector Hotline at (833) 431-2053.
I am pleased to share with you that last week Governor Walz announced that the Mall of America in our very own district will become Minnesota’s fourth, permanent community vaccination site. I am optimistic that Minnesota will continue to expand its distribution capacity and ensure that all those who want a vaccine are able to get them in the near future.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Governor Tim Walz, the Minnesota Department of Health, and our local leaders are responsible for determining eligibility standards and distributing vaccines to Minnesotans. They are the best point of contact for specific questions about our state’s vaccination plan. Data about vaccine eligibility and availability changes quickly, and I know that can be frustrating. Below you can find contact information to stay up-to-date with our local leaders on vaccines, stay-at-home orders, and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic handled by our state government.
The Minnesota Department of Health
- Chat with the COVID-19 bot on the MDH website
- Call at (651) 297-1304 or toll free at (800) 657-3504
- Email MDH by filling out this webform
Governor Tim Walz
- Call at (651) 201-3400 or toll free at (800) 657-3717
- Email the Governor by filling out this webform
Your State Representative and Senator
- You can find out who represents you in Saint Paul and how to contact them by entering your address here
And, as always, my team and I are here to help. As more information becomes available about the expected acceleration of vaccine distribution timelines, I will let you know. In the meantime, I will continue to work to ensure that our state has the resources they need so that you can get the help you deserve. Please continue to let us know how we can be of service, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Keep the faith and keep in touch, 
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress