Dear Neighbors,
While we wish the COVID-19 pandemic was behind us, unfortunately, due to the continued spread of the Delta variant, we find ourselves still navigating this crisis. One of the biggest concerns for community members has been COVID’s spread within our schools due to children being ineligible for the vaccine, and therefore more likely to transmit the virus at home or elsewhere, not to mention disruptions due to quarantine requirements.
Recently, this has changed. Significantly, the vaccine is now available to children aged 5 to 11 with the CDC recently approving Pfizer’s version for this age group. St. Louis County Public Health will hold community vaccination clinics where they will offer first doses on Saturdays, November 13 and 20; and second doses on December 4 and 11 at the First United Methodist (Coppertop) Church in Duluth from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 also will be offered at other St. Louis County Public Health clinics beginning the week of November 15. More information is available here. You can also find vaccination opportunities through healthcare providers including Essentia and St. Luke’s. Duluth Public Schools has also scheduled a series of vaccination clinics at local schools.
This recent development follows vaccine approval for those aged 12 to 17. The “Kids Deserve a Shot” incentive program offers a $200 Visa gift card for 12-17-year-olds who start and complete their vaccine series between October 18 and November 30. Additionally, there will be five drawings for $100,000 Minnesota college scholarships for any 12-17-year-olds in Minnesota with a complete vaccine series. Learn more here. In all cases, written parental consent is required for children and teen vaccinations.
If you’re an adult who hasn’t yet received your vaccine, please make plans to do so. We all care about each other and want to see the end of this crisis. The vaccine is safe, effective, and will help reduce the spread of COVID and risk of serious illness. Minnesota’s Vaccine Locator has a map of vaccine providers. Booster shots are now also available for many Minnesotans to extend their efficacy, and more information about them is available here. Additionally, wearing a mask in a crowded space, staying home when you’re sick, and getting tested if you experience symptoms all remain critical steps to protect our public health.
As always, I invite you to reach out to me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Liz Olson
State Representative