Minnesota vaccine numbers rise slightly amid variant risks

An uptick in weekly COVID-19 vaccinations in Minnesota has state health officials hopeful that people are heeding warnings about the latest variant-fueled wave of the infectious disease and getting more children lined up for shots before the start of the school year.

While people in high-risk locations for coronavirus transmission should "double down" by wearing masks per new federal guidelines and taking other precautions, state Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said they aren't alternatives for vaccinations.

"Even though we're talking about masks as another additional layer of protection ... the absolute best thing we can do is just get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible," she said.

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-vaccine-numbers-rise-slightly-amid-variant-risks/600084125/