[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the State of Minnesota is continuing its partnership with the Minnesota Vikings as part of the state's COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program. Next week, the state is hosting another temporary community vaccination event at Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) Performance Center in Eagan. The state and the Minnesota Vikings partnered on a previous vaccination event at TCO Performance Center in early March.
"This continued partnership with the Minnesota Vikings helps us move the ball further down the field in the fight to end the COVID-19 pandemic," said Governor Walz. "Our Community Vaccination Program is a critical component of Minnesota's all-hands-on-deck vaccination strategy, and this additional opportunity at the Vikings training facility will help this life-saving vaccine reach even more Minnesotans."
The temporary Eagan event joins seven permanent Community Vaccination Program sites in Minneapolis, Duluth, Rochester, Bloomington, Saint Paul, St. Cloud and Mankato.
"With broad community vaccination right around the corner, we are closer to getting back to the parts of life we have missed – including high school football under the lights on Friday nights," continued Governor Walz. "This TCO Performance Center event is a testament to the growing vaccine network in Minnesota. Partnerships like this one with the Vikings are putting us on offense in the fight against COVID-19."
Two additional temporary pop-up events are taking place this week in Marshall and Worthington to vaccinate food processing workers.
"We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Minnesota Vikings as we work to vaccinate more Minnesotans. The teamwork of community vaccination sites and the leadership of all our partners are critical to our all-above approach to reaching Minnesotans with the vaccine," said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. "The state is moving fast toward ensuring every Minnesotan has the opportunity to access the vaccine, no matter where they live. Paired with our community sites in Worthington and Marshall this week, the temporary Eagan site is another important step in the work ahead."
"This continued partnership with the State of Minnesota to combat COVID-19 and protect our community remains a focal point for the Minnesota Vikings, and I'm proud of our staff's commitment to these efforts," said Vikings Chief Operating Officer Andrew Miller. "We are excited to see a limited number of fans return to sporting events this spring and summer, but we know the successful administration of vaccines will be critical to increasing those numbers and reaching our goal of a full U.S. Bank Stadium this fall. We encourage all Minnesotans to get vaccinated."
Minnesotans who have not received a vaccine should sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, which will notify users about vaccine opportunities near them. Users currently eligible for the vaccine may be randomly selected for an appointment at a Community Vaccination Program location. Minnesotans may be contacted directly if they can make an appointment.
Minnesotans can sign up at https://mn.gov/vaccineconnector. Minnesotans unable to sign up online or who require translation assistance can call 833-431-2053 between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to sign up over the phone.
In addition to the Vaccine Connector, Minnesotans can search for local providers, contact information and scheduling opportunities on the state's vaccine finder map: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp.
The state continues to offer no-cost community testing for COVID-19 across Minnesota. Minnesotans are encouraged to schedule an appointment at https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/community-testing.jsp. Walk-ins are also welcome.
The state also offers at-home COVID-19 saliva testing for everyone who lives in Minnesota, with or without symptoms, at no cost. Minnesotans are encouraged to order a test at https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html.
