COVID-19 Vaccine

Current Minnesota eligibility guidelines

As of March 30, all Minnesotans 16 years of age and older are eligible to receive a vaccine. Minnesota has directed providers to prioritize vaccine appointments for people most at risk of getting COVID-19, or those who could develop severe illness if infected. This includes older Minnesotans, those with underlying health conditions and those in essential jobs.

At this time, providers should prioritize: 

• 65+ individuals.
• Health care workers.
• Long-term care residents and staff.
• Educators.
• Child care workers.
• People with underlying health conditions, rare conditions or disabilities.
• Essential frontline workers and targeted essential workers.
• 45+ with underlying health condition(s).
• 16+ with 2+ underlying health conditions.
• 50+ in multigenerational housing.

More information about eligibility

How to get your shot

• Use the Minnesota Vaccine Locator Map.
• Use the CDC VaccineFinder to find pharmacy appointments.
• Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
• The Vaccine Connector will inform you about vaccine opportunities in your area.
• Your employer may also reach out with vaccination opportunities.

Supplies remain limited

Not everyone who is eligible will be immediately able to make an appointment. The state of Minnesota anticipates enough vaccine will be available for everyone who wants a shot to get one by summer. The federal Biden-Harris administration is estimating there will be enough vaccine for all adults by the end of May. However, it will take time to get supply distributed to everyone who wants a shot.

Vaccine distribution by week

Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health continues to vaccinate priority and high-risk groups. Our clinics will continue to prioritize high-risk groups even as statewide eligibility expands. Once eligibility for county-run clinics expands, these appointments will be listed on Minnesota’s Vaccine Locator Map.

Summary of vaccinations given by Public Health

Who is Public Health vaccinating?

While supplies remain limited, Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health continues to vaccinate priority and high-risk groups.

Public Health is vaccinating the following groups:

• Healthcare personnel.
• Assisted living and long-term care residents and staff.
• First responders.
• COVID-19 testers and vaccinators.
• Educators.
• Child care workers.
• Funeral home staff.
• Homeless service providers.
• Correctional officers and law enforcement.
• Manufacturing workers.
• Food service workers.
• 65+ individuals from racially and ethnically diverse communities who have suffered disproportionately high rates of COVID-19 illness and death.
• 45+ individuals with underlying health conditions.
• Pregnant women.

More information about vaccine phases and planning

Type of vaccine

Public Health is currently allocated Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, so we are unable to offer vaccine to individuals under 18 or individuals who need a second dose of Pfizer. 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the current pause by the CDC on Johnson & Johnson vaccine, Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health is only using the Moderna two-dose vaccine at this time. While negative reactions to the J&J vaccine have been extremely rare (six cases out of almost seven million people vaccinated), anyone who has received the J&J vaccine who develops severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider immediately.

• State advises providers to follow federal pause on use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine during review.
• Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine.

Ramsey County COVID-19 vaccine phone line

For questions about the COVID-19 vaccine in Ramsey County.

• 651-266-1190 (Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Our commitment to equitable vaccine distribution

Informed by our Strategic Priorities, Ramsey County is committed to an equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

• Ramsey County is following federal and state guidelines to distribute the vaccine in phases to have the greatest impact and prevent further spread to those most at-risk.
• Our commitment to equitable distribution is reflected in the county’s current focus on reaching 65+ individuals from racially and ethnically diverse communities who have suffered disproportionately high rates of COVID-19 illness and death. We continue to work with several community partners to reach these populations to ensure they get vaccinated.
• Ramsey County provides free, low barrier vaccination. Our vaccine clinics do not require proof of identification or citizenship. The clinics do not require payment of any kind, regardless of health insurance status.
• View the Ramsey County COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard to see doses given by race and ethnicity.