Dear Neighbors,
Thanks in large part to the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine, we’re ahead of schedule in our vaccination timeline, allowing more Minnesotans to become eligible to get their shot this week.
Minnesotans who are now eligible to receive a vaccine include the following:
- People with certain underlying conditions, including sickle cell disease, down syndrome, and oxygen-dependent chronic lung or heart conditions, and those who are in active cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant
- People with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk
- Food processing plant workers
These groups will receive priority, but providers may offer available appointments to others who are eligible, including Minnesotans from the next tier:
- People 45 or older with one or more of the underlying medical conditions identified by the CDC
- People 16 or older with two or more of the underlying conditions
- People 50 or older in multi-generational housing
- Essential frontline workers, including airport staff, child care workers who weren’t previously eligible, first responders, judicial system workers, public health workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, and those who work in agriculture; correctional settings; food production, retail, or service; manufacturing, and public transit.
If you haven’t yet, I’d encourage you to sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connectorto get regular updates on vaccine availability and eligibility. In some cases, your employer will have more information on vaccine availability, and it’s a good idea to be in touch with your health care provider too. Vaccine supplies from the federal government are increasing, and this progress represents one more step towards the end of the pandemic.
At this rate, President Biden has announced that all adults in the U.S. should be able to receive the vaccine this May.
New Public Health Guidelines
With this vaccine news also comes new public health guidelines for businesses and social gatherings in our state. Today, Governor Walz announced new measures that allow us to safely turn the dials in this pandemic. These updates will go into effect on Monday at noon, and you can read more about them here.
It’s still critically important for us to stay on course with public health guidelines that have helped keep us safe – such as social distancing and wearing a mask. We’re nearing the end of this chapter, and remaining vigilant in these efforts, coupled with getting vaccinated, will help us get there faster.
Keep in Toucah
Please reach out anytime at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn or 651-296-5513 with questions, input, or to let me know how I can be of assistance.
It’s an honor to represent our Champlin and Coon Rapids neighbors at the State Capitol.
Sincerely,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative