Minnesota Opens COVID-19 Booster Shots for Everyone Over 18

(KNSI) — The state of Minnesota says it is taking action to get COVID-19 booster vaccines into the arms of people who need or want them.

Governor Tim Walz made the announcement Friday afternoon after the expansion of eligibility by the federal government. According to a press release from the governor’s office, expanded booster eligibility means all Minnesotans 18 and older who finished their primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago will be recommended and able to get their COVID-19 booster shot. All Minnesotans 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended to get a booster shot at least 2 months after their initial vaccine.

“Boosters are an important part of keeping protection against COVID-19 high in adults and helping to mitigate some of the intense COVID-19 spread we are seeing right now, which is extremely important given our tight hospital capacity,” said Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm.

Everyone is now able to receive any of the three authorized COVID-19 vaccines as a booster dose regardless of what vaccine they received in their initial series of shots.

Earlier this week, the administration said, absent federal direction, the state of Minnesota was going to open booster shots to everyone over the age of 18 anyway. Those over the age of 50, the federal government says, should get their COVID-19 booster shot when they can. Those over 18 can get their booster shot if they choose.

Click here to find a vaccine location.

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