MDH Reports More Than 2 Million Minnesotans Are Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

(KNSI) – Minnesota reached a COVID-19 vaccination milestone Wednesday: More than two million residents are now fully vaccinated. For those 2,007,668 Minnesotans, this means they have had their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or got the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot.

“I am grateful for the two million Minnesotans who rolled up their sleeves and completed their vaccine series to protect themselves and their community against this deadly disease,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a press release. “Every Minnesotan who gets a shot in their arm brings us closer to closing this chapter and getting back to all the things we love in life. I encourage everyone who patiently waited their turn to get us to this milestone today to now take their turn, get their shot as soon as possible, and bring about the brighter days that are just around the corner.”

So far, 2,598,871 people in the state have gotten at least their first dose. They represent 46.7 percent of the state’s total population and almost 59 percent of Minnesotans age 16 and older. Those percentages are higher among older Minnesotans: 87.3 percent of seniors age 65 and older are now vaccinated, as are 63.3 percent of folks in the 50 to 64 age range.

The news Wednesday comes alongside 1,267 new COVID cases and 17 deaths confirmed in Minnesota. Though no new deaths were reported in the five-county St. Cloud area, there were several confirmed in surrounding counties, including two deaths in Meeker County and one in Kandiyohi County. There was also a COVID fatality in Ramsey County who was in their early 20s.

Benton County reports 13 new cases, Morrison County 11, Sherburne County 28, Stearns County 36 and Wright County 38.

Out of 25,827 COVID tests processed statewide Tuesday, 4.9 percent came back positive.

Right now, 580 people across the state are hospitalized due to COVID; 149 of those patients are in the ICU.

___