Mall Of America Vax Site To Double Appointments For Kids Under 5

BLOOMINGTON, MN — The Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday that its community vaccination site at the Mall of America is doubling the number of daily appointments available for children 6 months to 5 years old to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The move was made "to meet high demand from Minnesota families." Going forward, the MOA site will offer 500 total appointments each day for kids under 5.

Parents can make appointments for the next two weeks online now. Appointments are required.

On Wednesday, 280 Minnesota children in the newly eligible age group received their shots, according to health officials.

"Many Minnesota parents have waited a long time to get their youngest children vaccinated for COVID-19. Now that the vaccine is here, we’re working hard to make it easy to find the shot," said Gov. Tim Walz in a news release.

"I encourage Minnesota families to make a plan, talk to your pediatrician, and make an appointment to get your child vaccinated."

The MOA vaccination site is open:

• Wednesdays through Fridays, 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The MOA site currently only offers the Pfizer vaccine.

“COVID-19 can be a serious health risk for children, and I'm excited to see so many Minnesota parents taking the opportunity to get their children vaccinated against the virus,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm.

"Minnesota’s network of pediatricians, clinics, pharmacies, and medical systems are excited to begin offering this vaccine to their patients and are there to help answer your questions. In the meantime, we’re helping more families get their shots through our vaccination site at the Mall of America."

Private clinics and other providers are now accepting appointments as they receive vaccine shipments this week. Minnesota parents can search the state for a vaccine appointment using the Find Vaccine Locations map.