Governor Walz: State to Begin Administering Moderna, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Booster Shots to Recommended Minnesotans

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota will begin administering Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots to eligible Minnesotans in line with federal guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, Minnesotans who got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine can now get a booster at least six months after their initial series if they are:

• 65 years and older;

• Age 18 and older and live in long-term care settings;

• Age 18 and older and have underlying medical conditions;

• Age 18 and older and work or live in high-risk settings;

All Minnesotans age 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended to get a booster shot at least 2 months after their initial vaccine.

Officials also authorized 'mixing and matching' COVID-19 vaccine boosters, meaning anybody who is eligible to get a booster shot can get any of the three currently authorized or approved vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson – regardless of what product they received for their primary series. Minnesotans can direct questions about mixing and matching doses to their healthcare provider.

“Federal authorization of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster doses means more Minnesotans will be able to maximize their protection against COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “As a Johnson & Johnson recipient myself, I am excited to be able to get boosted protection against this virus, especially as the weather gets colder, the holidays approach, and more of our interactions and activities move indoors. Minnesotans who are recommended to get a booster should roll up their sleeves and get their shot.”

The list of medical conditions categorized as high-risk by the CDC is available here. Minnesotans with an underlying medical condition can speak with their health care provider about whether a booster is right for them. Minnesotans who live or work in a setting that increases their risk for exposure to COVID-19 can also talk to their health care provider about their risk and the need for a booster shot.

“Today’s announcement is good news for recipients of the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. "We know COVID-19 vaccines are safe, highly effective, and saving lives every day. If you are recommended to get a booster dose, visit a provider and get your free shot today."

Minnesota providers offering the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccine are now able to offer booster doses to eligible Minnesotans. The state has enough vaccine to provide shots to everyone who needs one – both primary series doses and boosters. Vaccine providers include pharmacies (many of which accept walk-ins), health care systems, community clinics, local public health agencies, and tribal health agencies.

Those seeking a booster shot can visit mn.gov/vaccine to find a provider near them to schedule an appointment or find a walk-in clinic.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread widely in our communities, it is important to maintain that high level of protection from vaccination by getting your booster shot if one is recommended for you,” Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. “It is also incredibly important for all those who have not been vaccinated yet to get that initial protection. The more eligible people in our communities who are vaccinated, the more protection we have for young children and others not able to get vaccinated yet.”

Research shows that all COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective at preventing severe illness and death. Minnesotans should only get a booster when it is recommended, not earlier. Minnesotans can learn more about COVID-19 booster doses from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How Minnesotans can get their free shot:

• Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.

• Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).

• Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.

• Walk in to one of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination sites.

• Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline

• 1-833-431-2053

• Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:

• Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free community testing sites across Minnesota: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites.

• Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program: COVID-19 Test at Home.

• Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map: Find Testing Locations.