Gov. Walz Unveils Plan To Vaccinate 5 To 11-Year-Olds In MN

MINNESOTA — Gov. Tim Walz Wednesday announced Minnesota's plan to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee voted to recommend the use of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group.

"Every 5-11-year-old in Minnesota deserves the protection the COVID-19 vaccine has to offer," Walz said in a news release.

"The state is prepared for this critical moment in the battle against COVID-19. Our goal is to ensure that the vaccine is widely, equitably, and efficiently available to all children ages 5-11. We’ll be ready to do our part when the federal government gives us the green light, and I encourage parents to get their children vaccinated when the shots are ready."

Minnesota health officials are still waiting for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue final recommendations — which could come as soon as next week — before allowing vaccinations for kids under 12 to begin.

COVID-19 can have long-term consequences for children. Nearly 100 cases of COVID-19 multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C, have been confirmed in Minnesota. Some Minnesota children needed ICU-level care.

Four Minnesotans between the age of 19 and zero have died from the virus since the pandemic started.

According to Walz's office, once the green light is given, children under 12 will be able to get the vaccine from primary care providers, schools, clinics, pharmacies, and community vaccination sites:

• Over 530 clinics, health centers are prepared to vaccinate Minnesota children
• More than 600 pharmacies in Minnesota plan to provide COVID-19 vaccine to children
• A survey of Minnesota school districts and charter schools found that 80 percent of respondents are interested in hosting vaccination clinics
• The Community Vaccination Program location at the Mall of America has tripled its capacity to provide up to 1,500 shots per day to 5-11-year-olds

"These vaccines have been shown to be safe and highly effective, and they are our best tools for protecting Minnesotans from COVID-19," said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm.

"The evidence shows COVID-19 can be severe and have long-lasting health impacts – sometimes even among young and healthy people. Getting your children vaccinated helps them stay safe during school, sports and other social activities. Plan ahead, talk to your family physician, and once your child is eligible, find a vaccine opportunity near you to get your child protected."

Minnesota families with children 5 to 11 can learn more by:

• Checking with their pediatrician or family medicine clinic about appointments
• Visit mn.gov/vaccine and use the Vaccine Locator Map to contact providers
• Ask their local school district for upcoming vaccination opportunities

"Vaccines are the best tool we have to keep our students in their classrooms while protecting the health and safety of students, staff and families," said Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller.

"After extensive studies and research by health experts, I am thankful that a safe and effective vaccine will soon be available to children ages 5 and older. Our school and health care communities stand ready to provide families options to ensure all Minnesota kids can get vaccinated as soon as possible."