Walz Calls for Expanding Vaccine Access in Minnesota

September 11, 2025

On September 8, Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order (EO) directing the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to expand its efforts to safeguard vaccine access in Minnesota, in response to federal actions restricting vaccine availability.  

Walz’s EO also directs the state epidemiologist to issue a standing order for the COVID-19 vaccine, which would provide greater flexibility for healthcare providers and pharmacists to provide the vaccine.   

“Minnesota is in a stronger position than most states to handle the loss of federal vaccine support, thanks to years of work by MDH and our partners,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham, MD, PhD. “Still, the scale of these cuts will likely lead to changes that affect Minnesotans. We don’t yet know what those changes will be, but MDH will keep a close eye on the situation, work to protect vaccine access, and stay closely connected with our public health partners.”  

"The MMA applauds the actions of Gov. Walz to take steps needed to protect insurance coverage and access to vaccines for Minnesotans in the face of continued misinformation and anti-science decisions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,” said MMA President Edwin Bogonko, MD, MBA. “Vaccines are safe and effective, and are one of the most important things Minnesotans can do to protect their own health and the health of their loved ones and communities." 

The EO follows moves by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to change recommendations to limit vaccine access; upend years of vaccine research; and throw the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leadership into chaos.   

The EO directs state agencies to work collaboratively across the state enterprise, with independent boards, and with insurers, healthcare providers, and patients to support access to, and accurate information about, all available vaccines. Unlike many other states, pharmacists in Minnesota can administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines according to the FDA license to patients ages 3 and up without a separate prescription. This process does not rely on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations. COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available for people at clinics and pharmacies, and there should be increasing availability over the next several weeks.  

The order also directs MDH to take steps to continue protecting vaccine access by issuing a standing order or protocol for the COVID-19 vaccine, and monitoring whether similar measures are needed for other routine vaccines. The standing order would expand access to the COVID vaccine, despite federal limitations. MDH will also work with partner agencies to identify and remove barriers to access, while providing clear guidance to providers, insurers, and the public on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and availability.   

Also on September 8, state Sen. Matt Klein, MD, said he will introduce legislation during the next session that would require insurers to cover vaccines and mandate that pharmacies carry them. Klein also plans to propose a Minnesota Science-Based Health Care Commission that would issue its own recommendations even if it doesn’t coincide with national guidelines.