Minnesota Reaches 70 Percent Vaccination Goal Among State’s 16+ Population

(KNSI) – Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday that 70 percent of Minnesotans 16 and older are now vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least one dose.

“Minnesotans are continuing to answer the urgent call and do their part to end this pandemic,” Walz said in a statement. “The data is clear: vaccines are our key to fighting COVID-19 and the Delta variant, and millions of Minnesotans rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. While we are making progress, there is no time to waste in making sure every Minnesotan who can get the shot does so. It will save lives.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Health’s most recent data, just more than 6 million total vaccine doses have been administered in Minnesota.

The state had hit the benchmark of having 70 percent of residents 18 and older vaccinated just before President Joe Biden’s deadline of July 4th. At that time, the state was averaging fewer than 100 new COVID-19 cases per day. Now, daily case counts from the Minnesota Department of Health are over 1,000 per day as the U.S. sees a spike in cases driven by the more transmissible Delta variant.

The news comes as the rate of first doses given this week is up 129 percent compared to a month ago, according to the governor’s office. Minnesotans who received or will receive their first vaccine dose between July 30th and August 15th are eligible for $100 gift cards from the state.

Vaccination rates are still highest among the oldest Minnesotans, with 92 percent of residents 65 and older having received at least one dose. 46 percent of 12-to-15-year-old Minnesotans, who were the latest to become eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, have gotten the shot.

Percentage of residents 16+ vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least one dose

State of Minnesota: 70
Benton County: 53
Morrison County: 49
Sherburne County: 54
Stearns County: 53
Wright County 60

“Every shot in the arm is critical in our fight against COVID-19,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “I am so grateful for the millions of Minnesotans who have gotten vaccinated to help us fight off the Delta variant and protect our state. Let’s keep pushing to get as many Minnesotans we know and love vaccinated as possible to keep our communities safe.”

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