(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Republicans today applauded Governor Walz’s decision to allow hospitals and vaccine providers to provide vaccinations to individuals age 65 and older. Senators have been pressuring Governor Walz to speed up vaccination processes by working with local partners and considering all options. Minnesota’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout has been slower than the national average, and much slower than our neighboring states.
“We all agree that vaccinations are the key to reopening. I’m glad more high-risk people in Minnesota will be able to access the vaccine with this change,” said Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R- East Gull Lake). “That’s the important part- we have to target our protection to those most at risk, and this is a great step in the right direction.”
Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Michelle Benson (R- Ham Lake) said, “Health systems and pharmacies have been ready to help for months.” Sen. Benson’s committee had commissioners and health department officials in front of senators to answer questions on the slow rollout this week. “I’m glad that Minnesota is following the example of other states to get vaccines off shelves and into arms.” The CDC recently advised states they could vaccinate individuals 65 years and older. Other states had begun doing this much earlier than Minnesota.