Regional groups step up to vaccine challenge

Small and independent medical providers in northeast Minnesota get one chance each week to appeal for their share of next week's COVID-19 vaccine supply - an online meeting entitled "rants, raves, recommendations."

Alternating between competition and cooperation, the providers decide who is in the best position to get vaccine to Minnesota's priority groups, including health care workers and senior citizens. The plan is finished Wednesday and vaccine orders go out Thursday for delivery the next week.

"Those Tuesday meetings serve as a back alley to discuss who got vaccine the week before, which communities are served by which streams of vaccine ... and how we together can ensure that each community is served the following week," said Adam Shadiow, a leader of Minnesota's Northeast Healthcare Preparedness Coalition, which spans from Aitkin to Grand Portage.

https://www.startribune.com/regional-groups-step-up-to-vaccine-challenge/600023509/