MN Health Officials Want Booster Eligibility Expanded, Or Else

(KNSI) – Minnesota health officials want federal officials to expand the use of COVID-19 booster shots. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, COVID-19 continues to surge across the state at an alarming rate. MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm says Minnesota is hoping to get approval soon.

“That’s based on conversations with federal officials, and we’ve been having lots of conversations about the need and the importance to expand booster eligibility to all adults 18 And up.”

She says if federal officials aren’t willing to help by the end of the week, Minnesota will move on its own.

“Given the very serious circumstances here in Minnesota, we’ve been communicating with our federal partners that we’re preparing to move ahead independently this week to expand booster eligibility if there is no action at the federal level.”

Meanwhile, some states are ignoring federal guidance and expanding boosters. Arkansas this week joined California, Colorado, and New Mexico in offering them to anyone 18 or older.

Federal officials have only authorized booster shots for those who are immunocompromised, age 65 and older, or those age 18 and above whose job potentially exposes them to COVID-19.

Hospitals in Minnesota are reporting a wave of COVID-19 patients not seen in months. Beds are filling with unvaccinated people, and health care providers are warning that yet another surge is wearing down staff. Nearly all the hospital beds in Minnesota are full.

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