Over 44K Minnesota kids vaccinated at school clinics

(ABC 6 NEWS) – Governor Tim Walz announced more than 4,000 students 5- to 11-years-old have received their COVID-19 vaccine at 19 school clinics held in Minnesota schools since November 3rd when the age group became eligible for the vaccine.

The Minnesota Department of Health has partnered with more than thirty schools across the state — from Windom to Hibbing — to schedule on-site vaccination clinics this month, with 11 clinics scheduled for this week alone.

The in-school clinics are one component of a diverse network of more than 1,100 providers the state activated to administer vaccines to children ages 5 to 11. 44,250 Minnesota children 5- to 11-years-old received their vaccine through November 14, the most recent reporting date. Parents can find a vaccination provider at mn.gov/vaxforkids.

“School vaccine clinics provide the ultimate convenience for Minnesota families to get their kids protected against COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “I am grateful for all the schools and partners hosting these clinics across the state for helping our kids can be kids again.”

In addition to the school vaccine clinics hosted in partnership with MDH, local public health departments are hosting more than 100 school vaccine clinics in November and December.

To ensure equitable distribution of the vaccine, expand access to more children, and meet Minnesota families where they are, the Walz-Flanagan Administration has partnered with school districts and charter schools to host vaccination clinics in school buildings for children and families.

In response to community feedback, the provider network the Walz-Flanagan Administration activated includes:

• More than 530?pediatric and family medicine clinics, primary care providers, federally qualified health centers, local public health agencies, tribal health agencies, and Indian Health Service locations.??
• Minnesota’s successful Community Vaccination Program location at the Mall of America?has tripled?its capacity to provide up to 1,500 shots?per day?to 5- to 11-year-olds.?
• MDH’s COVID-19?Community Coordinators – trusted community partners?–?will host clinics offering not only vaccines to?5- to 11-year-olds?but?shots?for?the whole family.?

Minnesota’s pharmacies are preparing to provide COVID-19 vaccine to children under the age of 12 in some or all their locations, based on their supply from the federal government.?