Legislative Update- January 19, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

As you may have heard last week, after a significant shift in the federal guidance on vaccine distribution earlier this week, MDH informed hospitals and other vaccination partners that they can provide vaccines to broader categories of Minnesotans, including those 65 years of age and older. However, as I mentioned in my update from last Friday, this directive is still limited in scope because it only applies to the leftover doses that providers may have available after vaccinating front-line health care workers. In addition, it is hampered by the fact that it now appears that the federal government does not have the additional allocation that was promised to the states. I continue to monitor the situation and rollout in Minnesota.

Yesterday, Minnesota announced an important next step in the process of delivering the COVID-19 vaccine to certain priority groups. A pilot program will establish new vaccination sites throughout the state, and individuals who are 65 years or older, as well as school staff and child care workers (who have been notified by their employer that they’re eligible), will now be able to make appointments to receive the vaccine. If you fall into these groups, initial limited appointments are available now. You can book appointments online here, or by phone at 612-426-7230 or toll free at 833-431-2053.

The nearest location for our community is Brooklyn Center. Due to a high volume of calls and online bookings, there may be an initial delay, so if your request doesn’t go through the first time, please give it another try. If you encounter additional problems or need help navigating this process, please contact me at rep.kelly.morrison@house.mn.

The other pilot sites are located in Andover, Fergus Falls, Marshall, Mountain Iron, North Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud, and Thief River Falls.

Lastly, I mentioned last week the vaccine data dashboard which details the progress of COVID-19 vaccine allocation, distribution, and administration across Minnesota. It includes information on the number of doses promised (allocated) to the state by the federal government; shipped to Minnesota providers; and administered to Minnesotans. The dashboard will be updated daily at 11:00 a.m.

Please know I am doing all I can to help expedite the distribution process in our communities and state. Your input and feedback are valuable as I continue to work with MDH and the governor’s office.

Stay in touch and please contact me anytime at rep.kelly.morrison@house.mn or 651-296-4315.

Thank you for the honor of serving our 33B residents and families in the Minnesota House.

Have a good rest of the week.

Sincerely,

Kelly