With over two million Minnesotans having received at least one vaccine shot, the state continues prioritizing efforts to safeguard essential populations at risk for COVID.Now, the statewide “Roll Up Your Sleeves, Minnesota” vaccine campaign has turned its focus on critical frontline workforce sectors in manufacturing.
That initiative kicked off in mid-April with food service workers. Industry leaders and notables, like celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern , have teamed with the state to urge workers to sign up for the state’s Vaccine Connector, which alerts you when vaccine appointments are available near you.
A big goal of this push is to overcome vaccine hesitancy. One recent study found that as many as 23 percent of Americans are reluctant to get the vaccine. But to reach herd immunity, health officials hope to vaccinate at least 80 percent of the state’s population.
By chipping away at vaccine hesitancy, Minnesota gets closer to herd immunity. And with more food service workers vaccinated, that could speed up the opening of restaurants and bars to full capacity.
More from Minnesota Native News
- Robert Lilligren’s Gift for Indigenizing Leadership, Politics, and Policy MakingOn today’s show, part one of Leah and Cole’s rich conversation with the visionary leader Robert Lilligren (White Earth Ojibwe Nation) who is the President and CEO of the Native American Community Development Institute, and who serves the 7th District (South Minneapolis) on the Metropolitan Council.
- Minnesotans As Young As 12 Now Eligible For COVID VaccinationThe FDA’s review of Pfizer’s data confirmed the shots were safe and effective in adolescents, and that the side effects were “consistent” with older age groups. In the study, nearly 98% of adolescents were found to have produced enough antibodies in the month after their second dose.
- Minnesota Aims to Close Vaccine Gaps With Pop-up Sites and Mobile Vaccination ClinicsHealth officials say 31 percent of Minnesotans have been living in zip codes with “high vulnerability” scores during the pandemic.
- How Tribes Provide Leadership and Learning for Public Health Approaches During PandemicOn today’s show, Leah talks with Mariah Norwood (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma) who is the Infectious Disease American Indian Liaison at the Minnesota Department of Health. Mariah Norwood is also a J.D. Candidate at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and she has her Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Oklahoma.
- Opportunities for Sharing and LearningThe Mitchell Hamline School of Law seeks to address systemic racism in Minnesota’s criminal justice system… And a new scholarship program wants to help descendants of Indian Boarding Schools… Plus, do you or someone you know have an Indigenous story of strength to showcase? Online nominations are open!Reporter Leah Lemm has these stories…
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