New Website Tool Helps Minnesotans Register for COVID-19 Vaccine
New Website Tool Helps Minnesotans Register for COVID-19 Vaccine
The state of Minnesota has launched a new tool for all Minnesotans age 18 and older who have not yet been vaccinated. The COVID-19 Vaccine Connector website will notify residents when it’s their turn for a shot – whether they are eligible for a vaccine now or later.
“This COVID-19 Vaccine Connector we think is a really important for our prevention strategy,” said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm.
According to the the website, the Vaccine Connector tool will provide information about when, where and how Minnesotans can get the vaccine. Minnesotans unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053. Translation is available by phone in all languages. State officials say people who already signed up for community vaccination sites and are on a waitlist do not need to sign up again.
State officials say it’s important to note that residents who are eligible to get vaccinated right now do not have to wait for information from the Vaccine Connector tool before they get their shot. If your health care provider or employer contacts you about making an appointment, or if you have another opportunity to get vaccinated, health officials say you can and should do that.
The age 18 cutoff is due to the eligibility requirements for the Moderna two-dose vaccine. The Pfizer two-dose vaccine has been authorized for ages 16 and up.
Who Can Get Vaccinated Now:
In Minnesota, residents are eligible now to get vaccinated if you are:
- Minnesotan age 65 or older
- Health care worker
- Long-term care resident or staff member
- Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educators, or contracted school staff member
- Child care staff member at a licensed and certified child care center or program
Health officials continue to stress that demand for vaccine far exceeds supply. The state received about 80,000 doses this week and expects to receive more than 100,000 doses next week. However, storms nationwide could impact those shipments.
“We’ve got a lot of scrambling to do today and tomorrow,” said Malcolm about shipments due to weather disruptions.. “It’s definitely a significant disruption nationwide.”
What About People Under 65 with Underlying Health Conditions?
Health officials acknowledge that while the pace of vaccine distribution is historic, it may seem frustratingly slow and confusing for people under 65 with serious underlying health conditions.
“It’s definitely in the mix of what we are working on right now,” said Malcolm about the next planning phase. “We agree the soon the better to provide further clarity after the current wave.”
The state is still wrapping up Phase 1a, which is vaccinations for front-line health care workers and long-term care residents. However, it’s also focusing on 65+, after the federal government encouraged vaccinations for that age group.
Malcolm says people may receive very short notice, in some cases less than an hour, to receive vaccine if there are cancellations. That’s due to the fragility of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines if the vials are opened for use.
What to Expect When Registering with the Vaccine Connector
The COVID-19 Vaccine Connector includes questions about gender identity, sexual orientation, race, cultural identification and disabilities. Health officials say those questions help track and measure equity and fairness throughout the vaccine distribution process. Residents can choose not to answer them and will not prevent them from signing up.
People who sign up can also choose to enter their medical history. Malcolm said it could help people get appropriately prioritized with their health care provider. State vaccination sites will continue to be a random draw for ages 65 and older.
When a Minnesotan becomes eligible to receive a vaccine under state guidelines, the Vaccine Connector will alert them of their eligibility, connect them to resources to schedule an appointment, and notify them if there are vaccination opportunities in their area. Minnesotans will still make appointments directly through a registered vaccinator, but the Connector is an easy way for Minnesotans to stay apprised of their eligibility and find opportunities to get a shot.
Also see: Governor Walz Announces Return-to-School Plan for Middle, High School Students
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