Media Statement on Vaccine Distribution Efforts

January 19, 2021

The Minnesota Medical Association welcomes today’s announcement about plans to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines to more Minnesotans and in more settings. The vaccines present the greatest opportunity for ending this pandemic. We urge Minnesotans to be patient, however, because limited vaccine supply continues to persist. At this time, there are still health care workers and high-risk patients in congregate care settings waiting to receive their vaccinations. We also know this disease has disproportionately harmed Minnesota’s Black, Indigenous and People of Color, and it is imperative that the state work to distribute vaccines to Minnesotans who are most at risk as quickly as possible.  In the meantime, we call on Minnesotans to practice good health by continuing to wear masks in public, wash hands frequently, remain socially distant, seek care when you have symptoms and avoid large gatherings.

MMA President Marilyn Peitso, MD