(KNSI) – Minnesota will begin giving Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to eligible people across the state. Minnesotans who got the Pfizer vaccine can receive a booster shot at least six months later based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm gave an update on who should get a booster.
“There should be an individual assessment of who is at high risk by virtue of underlying medical conditions or high risk occupations. The CDC has given examples like healthcare workers, teachers, emergency medical services, first responders, but it’s not limited to that.”
In general, boosters have been approved for people age 65 and older, residents in long-term care facilities, people aged 50-64 years with underlying medical conditions, people aged 18-49 years with underlying medical and people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job.
Minnesotans with an underlying medical condition are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about whether a booster is right for them.
“It’s good news that boosters improve the vaccines ability to protect against becoming infected. The data show that protection against infection begins to wane at six months. It doesn’t drop immediately so people still do have good protection,” said Malcolm.
Federal health experts are still reviewing Moderna and Johnson & Johnson data to decide when recipients may be eligible for a booster shot. Minnesota will be ready to provide Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters when they are recommended.
On Friday, the MDH reported 2,997 new COVID 19 cases statewide and 27 deaths. All 87 Minnesota counties have what’s considered high rates of infection. A little more than 73% of the state’s population that’s 16 and older has received at least one vaccine.
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