Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has announced the expansion of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility weeks ahead of schedule, which means over 1.8 million more people in the state will have access to vaccines.
It comes after the state hit its goal of vaccinating 70% of seniors, a goal that was originally set for the end of March.
Gov. Walz says the state is expanding eligibility to the next two phases of Minnesotans.
Vaccinations will prioritize the first of the next two phases, called phase 1b Tier 2. This phase includes Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions like Sickle cell disease, down syndrome and those in cancer treatment. Also those with oxygen-dependent chronic lung and heart conditions. The group also includes food processing plant workers.
The second of the two phases is Phase 1b Tier 3, and includes Minnesotans 45 years of age and older who have one or more underlying medical condition identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also includes those 16 years of age and older who have two or more underlying medical conditions.
Additionally, this phase includes those 50 years of age and older in multi-generational housing.
Lastly, it includes essential frontline workers like airport staff, child care workers not previously eligible, first responders, food production, food service, U.S. postal service and more.
For more information and to know when you’re eligible, Minnesotans are encouraged to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine connector tool at Vaccineconnector.mn.gov
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