Walz: Mall Of America To Become Community Vaccine Site

Across Minnesota —Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday that the Mall of America in Bloomington will become the state's fourth large-scale, permanent COVID-19 vaccine site this week. The mall is expected to serve approximately 8,190 pre-K through 12th-grade educators, school staff and child care workers in its first week.

The other large-scale vaccine sites currently are located in Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester.

"We're continuing to build a reliable network of options for Minnesotans to access the vaccine," Walz said in a release. "In addition to helping all Minnesotans find out when, where and how to get their vaccine through the Vaccine Connector, the site at the Mall of America expands the network to give more Minnesotans access to shots in their communities."

According to a release, staff in education and child care settings will be contacted directly if they are selected to sign up for vaccine appointments.

"Today we continue to move forward with our plan to expand access to teachers and child care providers, setting the stage for the day federal vaccine supply catches up with demand," said Peggy Flanagan, the state's lieutenant governor. "We are determined to ensure every Minnesotan has the opportunity to access the vaccine no matter where they call home."

According to the state, more than one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been administered in Minnesota through Feb. 19. Of that number, 94,000 had come from the State of Minnesota's community vaccination efforts since Jan. 21, which includes 23,000 doses at the state's Community Vaccination Program's (CVP) large-scale, permanent sites.

Walz reminded Minnesotans they can sign up for the Vaccine Connector online or by calling 833-431-2053 for assistance. The governor said translation to other languages is available by phone, and Minnesotans also can call the Translation Hotline at 833-431-2053 for assistance.