Minnesota is seeing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, especially among younger Minnesotans. Just this week, the state exceeded the previous record high set in November 2020 for the number of cases associated with schools. We have approached the numbers of students infected during last November’s peak, and we have a lot of work to do to ensure that community transmission goes down—a huge part of this solution is ensuring that our students who can get vaccinated DO GET VACCINATED! And those who can’t, GET TESTED! Getting vaccinated will help give Minnesota’s teens the best chance to learn in-person, participate in sports and activities, attend graduation and go to prom. Of course, they still need to remain vigilant in regards to masking, hand washing and social distancing. And for those still too young to be vaccinated, testing is critical.
In Greater Minnesota, go to the CDC’s Vaccine Finder to schedule an appointment for a Pfizer vaccine at a pharmacy near you or sign up on Minnesota’s COVID Vaccine Connector to receive more information about vaccine opportunities.
Very important: The Pfizer vaccine is the ONLY vaccine authorized to vaccinate youth ages 16 and up and will only be administered to those ages 16 and up.
FUN FACT: If someone is fully vaccinated and is exposed, they do not need to quarantine if ALL of the following are true:
- The COVID-19 exposure was at least 14 days after their vaccination series was fully completed.
- They do not currently have any symptoms of COVID-19.
In Health,
Amanda Tentinger LSN PHN