Mask Requirements

Yesterday evening, Governor Walz announced an end to the statewide mask requirement. This announcement followed new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stating that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask. Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated are strongly recommended to wear face coverings indoors.

COVID-19 Vaccines : Age 12 and Older

Starting today, May 14, Minnesotans age 12- through 17-years-old can get vaccinated at state sites that have Pfizer available: Bloomington (Mall of America), Saint Paul (Roy Wilkins Auditorium), Lino Lakes and Oakdale.

Families in Greater Minnesota looking for a vaccine closer to home are encouraged to talk to their child’s health care provider, visit the state’s Find Vaccine Locations map, or go to Vaccines.gov to search for providers administering Pfizer vaccines.

We strongly encourage all our students ages 12 and up to get the Pfizer vaccine as soon as possible. Getting our students vaccinated will help keep us on track for a school experience that resembles what we are used to and will help protect those who are not yet able to be vaccinated, like younger siblings.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in adolescents. Adolescents, like adults, may have some side effects after vaccination, which are normal signs that their body is building protection. If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccine, or any other vaccines your child may need, talk to your child’s health care provider.

COVID-19 Vaccine Accessibility

How Minnesotans Can Get Their Shot at No Cost:

  • Vaccine Connector: You can directly sign up for an appointment at one of the state Community Vaccination Program locations at VaccineConnector.mn.gov.
    • Walk-ins for Minnesotans 12+ will be accepted at state community vaccination sites administering Pfizer vaccines in Bloomington (Mall of America), Saint Paul (Roy Wilkins Auditorium), Lino Lakes and Oakdale.
    • Walk-ins and appointments for Minnesotans 18+ are accepted at all sites.
  • Vaccine Locator Map: You can use the Vaccine Locator Map to search for providers who are offering COVID-19 vaccine to Minnesotans ages 12 and older at https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp.
  • Vaccine Finder: You can also find COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, which allows you to filter by vaccine manufacturer and search for only Pfizer vaccine appointments.
  • Health Care Provider: You can also contact your child’s primary health care provider, local public health department, or a local pharmacy.

While it is very exciting that students as young as 12 can get vaccinated, there are still so many younger children that cannot. To that end, it is critical that youth continue to get tested.

How Students and Families Can Get a COVID-19 Test at No Cost: