SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced a new COVID-19 community vaccination site will soon launch in Rochester. The Rochester location will be the third large-scale, permanent site in the state and will have the capacity to serve 1,500 Minnesotans aged 65 or older in its first week.
Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester) and Rep. Liz Boldon (DFL – Rochester) both applauded the site selection and encouraged eligible community members to register for a vaccine.
“People in Rochester and SE Minnesota are anxious to get vaccinated against COVID-19, so I’m glad that the Minnesota Department of Health has decided to locate one of the semi-permanent vaccination sites in Rochester. This site will offer one of many options for people seeking vaccination,” said Rep. Liebling, who chairs the House Health Finance & Policy Committee. “We’re still counting on the federal government to deliver greater supplies of the vaccine, and this site will help ensure that we will be ready to quickly distribute the doses when we receive them.”
"While our hard work and sacrifice has reduced the amount of daily Covid cases in Minnesota, there is still a dangerous amount of community spread that we will continue to struggle with until the majority of Minnesotans receive a vaccine," said Rep. Boldon. "I am grateful that we will have a prominent vaccination site conveniently located in our community that can serve as a launch pad for getting vaccines to our neighbors throughout southern Minnesota."
Governor Walz also announced Monday an expansion of Minnesota’s vaccine availability through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, adding both Walmart and Thrifty White to the state’s network. With this move, more than 16,000 doses will be made available for Minnesotans age 65 or older. The governor also announced 8,000 doses would be reallocated to 40 Walgreens locations.
Vaccination data and information about Minnesota’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy is available on the state’s dashboard. Information about where to locate a provider and sign up for an appointment is available here.