Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan released the following statements on the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.
“The FDA’s approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is exciting news. This vaccine is safe, it’s saving lives, and now it’s fully approved,” said Governor Walz. “Today’s action gives Minnesotans additional assurance that the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective. Along with vaccines from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, these are the best tools we have in our fight against COVID-19. If you haven’t yet, now is the time to roll up your sleeves and get your shot.”
“With the FDA’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine, Minnesotans can have even more confidence in getting this shot. These vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness and death, and they have been thoroughly evaluated to ensure it’s safe for Americans and Minnesotans to roll up their sleeves,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “If you have been waiting for FDA approval to get your vaccine, today is your day to join the 3.2 million Minnesotans who have gotten their shot.”
“We welcome today’s announcement because we know full approval from FDA will give a boost of confidence to some who had not yet been vaccinated,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Pfizer and the other COVID-19 vaccines are our most important tools for moving past the pandemic and getting back to where we want to be. We encourage everyone who is eligible but unvaccinated to get it done for their own benefit and for the benefit of their family and friends.”
The Pfizer vaccine is now approved for Americans 16 years of age and older. The vaccine continues to be available to Americans between 12 and 15 years of age under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Two other vaccines – the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the two-dose Moderna vaccine – are authorized for Americans 18 years of age and older. FDA is continuing its review and approval process for these two vaccines as well as for use of Pfizer in people younger than 16.
All COVID-19 vaccines are free, and readily available at hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, and other health care providers around Minnesota. Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccine location near you and to sort by vaccine type.
How Minnesotans can get their free shot:
- Walk in or make an appointment through the Vaccine Connector: VaccineConnector.mn.gov.
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- Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline
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- 1-833-431-2053
- Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sat, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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- Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp.
- Check for vaccine appointments using the Vaccine Finder on https://www.vaccines.gov/ You can search for appointments by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
- Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
- Employers may also reach out with information about vaccination opportunities.
