COVID-19 vaccine newsletter - February 1, 2021
Vaccinations Started for Phase 1a - 3
The week of January 25, 2021, Olmsted County Public Health, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center (OMC) began vaccinating populations in Phase 1a priority 3 groups, including all remaining community health care personnel who cannot work remotely. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals such as dental office staff, hospice staff, optometrists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, morticians, orthopedics and rehabilitation staff, laboratory services staff, and funeral directors.
Organizations with employees in the 1a priority 3 group in Olmsted County are asked to complete a form for COVID-19 vaccine planning purposes. This will help Olmsted County Public Health to identify the appropriate priority group for each organization. These organizations are being contacted directly using the information provided in the online form.
Mayo Clinic, OMC, and Olmsted County Public Health are working collectively to vaccinate Phase 1a priority 3 groups as quickly as possible. It is important to note that the State of Minnesota and Minnesota Department of Health manage vaccine allotment across the state.
State vaccination clinics for 65 and older
While it is encouraging that individuals over the age of 65 are now eligible to be vaccinated, there is not enough vaccination available to accommodate everyone who needs and wants to be vaccinated. It is important to remember that the process will take time and is based on vaccine allocation received from the state.
On January 18, 2021, the State of Minnesota announced that Rochester was among nine locations in Minnesota to pilot a small amount of COVID-19 vaccine through community settings. Eligible individuals included Minnesotans age 65 and older as well as K-12 educators and childcare providers. The State of Minnesota is leading this pilot and two clinics have been held, with enormous response.
As of February 1, 2021, the state will now have two permanent community vaccination clinics: one in Minneapolis and one in Duluth.
We are using a random selection process for appointments at our community vaccination sites. If you signed up for pre-registration last week, you will again have the opportunity to be chosen to make an appointment for a vaccine this week at either the Minneapolis or Duluth community vaccination clinics.
The Rochester clinic will be open for two weeks starting Thursday, February 11, 2021 to administer second doses of the vaccine only to those who have scheduled appointments. No new appointments will be scheduled at these sites. No action is required at this time for those who have upcoming appointments at one of these sites for second doses.
For more information: COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program / COVID-19 Updates and Information - State of Minnesota (mn.gov).
Vaccinations for 65+ through Mayo and OMC
At this time, Olmsted County residents cannot receive the vaccine by requesting it. Mayo Clinic, OMC, or Olmsted County Public Health will notify those patients in their care who qualify to be vaccinated based on state and federal guidelines. Only patients who have been contacted by their health care organization can be scheduled to receive their vaccination. Please do NOT contact your clinic or health care provider about receiving the vaccine.
Mayo Clinic received notice from the Minnesota Department of Health that a limited number of doses will be provided by the state to be used for older patients. These initial doses will be provided to patients 80 and older. Eligible patients were invited to participate on Monday, January 25, 2021 via Patient Online Services or they received a phone call from Mayo Clinic if they did not have a Mayo Clinic Patient Online Services Account.
Who decides who will get vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) makes recommendations on who should get the vaccine. MDH has brought together the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group in an effort to make sure they are fairly and strategically making decisions for how vaccine should be distributed. The advisory group is made up of external partners who represent key populations in the state, such as local public health, long-term care, pharmacy partners, diverse communities, and more. The final decisions about how to distribute COVID-19 vaccine ultimately come from Governor Tim Walz. Find their guidance for prioritizing COVID-19 vaccine at COVID-19 Vaccine Phases and Planning.
