Minnesota expands vaccine access to chronically ill, front-line workers

Mar 10, 20210

Aaron Lavinsky, Star Tribune count

From left, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota nurses Alison Stumne, Tamara Pierre, Jana Wagner and Kirk Randall filled syringes with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at a North Memorial Health Hospital vaccination clinic in Brooklyn Center on Tuesday.

Minnesota is expanding COVID-19 vaccine access to nearly a third of its population, adding adults with a range of chronic illnesses and workers in key front-line occupations.

The move comes as the state has almost reached its goal of providing vaccine to 70% of senior citizens who are more likely to suffer severe COVID-19 illnesses and deaths.

Gov. Tim Walz said supplies have been boosted to the point that Minnesota should be able to offer vaccine to everyone in this new group of 1.8 million people by mid-April, while still wrapping up vaccinations of the initial priority groups of seniors, long-term care residents, educators and health care workers.

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-expands-vaccine-access-to-chronically-ill-front-line-workers/600032078/