Across the State of Minnesota, more than 600 providers are administering Moderna and Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines. Among them is Cottage Grove’s very own, Walmart #2448. The local pharmacy is vaccinating people aged 65 years and older, specifically. Pharmacies such as Walmart now equate for roughly 35.7% of COVID-19 vaccine suppliers in Minnesota. The amount of nearby providers are increasing and the state government has organized new methods to bring shots to its people. Therefore, more and more locals are gaining protection from the coronavirus. In Washington County alone, over 34,000 have received their first dose and over 11,000 residents have finished the dose series. The State of Minnesota updated this data on February 16.

Another significant notification has been delivered by the state regarding the production of doses. “There continues to be a very limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota. Despite a modest recent increase in vaccine supply from the federal government, Minnesota still does not have enough to meet demand.”

Because of this truth, Washington County, MN is closely obeying the three phases of vaccine distribution outlined by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Currently, the Cottage Grove region idles in Phase 1a. This period indicates that healthcare personnel and members of long-term care facilities should be vaccinated first. Yvonne Klinnert is the Public Information Manager in the county’s Office of Administration. She defended to The Journal, “The goal for the first doses of vaccine, Phase 1a, is to protect those who are exposed to COVID-19 every day because of what they do, who they care for, or where they live.”

As the supply of COVID-19 vaccines multiply, leaders serving in the medical field and long-term care facilities are being alerted. “These people can still plan on receiving the vaccine through their workplace, care facility, or local public health,” informs Minnesota’s official website regarding Phase 1a priority groups.

Washington County is distributing vaccines in an orderly and intentional process. Even so, the State of Minnesota has determined some groups under Phases 1b and 1c eligible to be vaccinated now. An effort to inject child care workers and educators continues. Additionally, Minnesotans exceeding the age of 64 are welcome to seek an appointment. “Minnesota is shipping more doses of COVID-19 vaccine to clinics and hospitals across the state specifically for those aged 65 and over,” the State of Minnesota confirms on their website.

It is through the brand-new Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, Community Vaccination Program, and the “Find Vaccine Locations” tool that the state is linking these citizens to their doses.

Last week, the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector became available to the public. Whether an unvaccinated Minnesotan falls under a current or future priority group, they may respond to this questionnaire. Once their form is submitted into the system, the Vaccine Connector will alert citizens when their dose is prepared. By typing, “https://vaccineconnector. mn.gov” into a search engine, one can launch the Vaccine Connector for themselves.

The Community Vaccination Program launched at the end of January. It was established to match adults aged 65 years or older, primary school staff, secondary school staff, and childcare workers with their COVID-19 vaccine. On January 26 at 5am, these adults had 24 hours to pre-register for the program. By pre-registering, they secured a chance at being randomly selected to book an appointment. A couple of selections have been executed within the previous weeks. When nominated, one may schedule a time slot at a community vaccination location in Minneapolis, Duluth, or Rochester. More selections are bound to occur within the pool of properly pre-registered people who weren’t notified yet. Beginning January 28, some Minnesotans gained their first doses through the Community Vaccination Program. They can expect a second dose from the same clinic they obtained their first dose from.

At this time, the program is not welcoming extra pre-registrations. However, Minnesota has hinted at allowing for more down the road. In the meantime, Minnesotans who are aged 65 years and older can navigate to the “Find Vaccine Locations” map. It is a tool that illustrates where the state’s COVID-19 vaccine providers are situated. Alongside this visual, Minnesota’s government disclaims, “There is still a limited amount of vaccine, so appointments may not be available everywhere.”

All providers pinpointed on that map are matching vaccines with Minnesotans by appointment alone. Each will adhere to their own agendas, injecting the priority groups of their choosing. Phrased in a different way, all providers within Minnesota’s borders vary in their operations. “Please contact providers to confirm vaccination location and hours, that they have vaccine doses and appointments available, and that you are eligible for vaccination at that site,” the state advises.

Childcare workers and educators are being tended to as well. In fact, their workplaces are administering them. Minnesota’s government pleads, “If you are an educator or childcare worker, please do not attempt to make an appointment unless you are notified by your employer that you’ve been selected to receive a vaccine.”

Schools within Washington County’s borders will prioritize the staff members who expose themselves most frequently to students. Childcare centers will randomly determine the order in which employees are vaccinated.

Due to the fact that Washington County lingers in Phase 1a and can not benefit everyone with Minnesota’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program, many Cottage Grove residents carry on, vulnerable to the coronavirus. As they wait for a vaccine to be available to them, residents should occupy their time wearing a mask, keeping six feet away from others, washing their hands constantly, and staying home when they feel ill. In addition, residents can stay in-the-know about when their opportunity to be vaccinated arrives. “The county will continue to update its website and social media feed regarding availability of vaccines for additional Washington County residents. Residents can also check the state’s vaccination website for the latest information.”