[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan received their updated bivalent boosters at the State Capitol. On September 6, Governor Walz announced Minnesota’s health care providers were ready to administer the new vaccines that are designed to better protect against Omicron variants. Photos from the event are available here .

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to get this updated booster that has been formulated to extend protection against COVID-19 and protect against the newer variants,” said Governor Walz. “This safe, effective vaccine is another key tool helping keep Minnesotans safe – especially when paired with testing and therapeutics.”

“As we get deeper into a new school year and as end-of-year holidays get closer, I want to make sure my family and I have the best protection possible against COVID-19, so I was very excited to be able to get my shot today,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I encourage all who are due for the bivalent booster to make a plan for getting vaccinated, and make sure the whole family is up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.”

There are a number of options for Minnesotans to get their updated bivalent booster, including state-run vaccination sites in Bloomington, Duluth, Moorhead, Rochester, and the St. Paul Midway location that is now taking appointments for next week. In addition to state-run vaccination sites, Minnesotans can find updated bivalent boosters through Minnesota pharmacies, health care systems, local public health and tribal health agencies, and other health care providers.

About the updated bivalent booster:

The updated bivalent booster helps protect against the original COVID-19 strain that has been in the vaccines as well as against newer Omicron variants that are circulating. COVID-19 vaccines continue to protect people by preventing severe illness and deaths.

Pfizer bivalent booster vaccine is recommended for people age 12 and older. The Moderna bivalent booster vaccine is recommended for people age 18 and older. Both vaccines can be given at least two months after a primary vaccine series or booster vaccination. The bivalent vaccines can only be used for a single booster dose. These boosters will continue to be free for all Minnesotans at both state and private sites, regardless of insurance status.

How Minnesotans can get a free COVID-19 shot:

    Contact your health care provider or a local pharmacy.

    Use the state’s Find Vaccine Locations to find vaccine providers near you—providers will update their information as appointments are available.

    Check for vaccine appointments at?Vaccines.gov, where you can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).

    Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at other community locations around Minnesota.

How Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:

    Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free?COVID-19 Community Testing Sites. Test-to-treat options are available at some locations.

    Check with your insurance company about ways to get free rapid tests from pharmacies.

    Find a testing option near you through the state’s?Find Testing Locations map.

Questions about COVID-19:

Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline: 1-833-431-2053, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.