There continues to be a very limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota. Despite a modest recent increase in vaccine supply from the federal government, Minnesota still does not have enough to meet demand. Minnesotans are encouraged to remain patient as more vaccine arrives in the weeks and months ahead. Sherburne County staff will continue to distribute vaccines using a phased approach and immunize those at highest risk of getting COVID-19, as well as those most at risk of severe disease and complications if they become infected.
Those 65+ are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine now. Sherburne County has been holding vaccination clinics when the vaccine is received from the state. Staff has been successful in administering the vaccine within 72 hours of receiving it from the state. The county has the capacity to deliver far more vaccine than it receives, but is limited by what the state allocates.
How to get the Vaccine
Local public health is just one administrator of vaccine in Sherburne County. Clinics, hospitals (Fairview Northland) and pharmacies are also giving vaccine shots.
To receive information for getting COVID-19 vaccines in MN, individuals can:
1. Contact their medical provider;
2. Contact their pharmacy;
3. Use the Find My Vaccine website to search for other statewide vaccine sites. https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp
Those who live in Sherburne County can:
4. Add themselves to the COVID-19 interest form. Electronic version is preferred. This does require an email address. Those who do not have an email address could use the email address of a friend or family member. Visit https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/5e2baad7c5504616b22afdb3b7f31632.
Paper forms are accepted at the Sherburne County Government Center or can be mailed to Sherburne County Health & Human Services, 13880 Business Center Drive NW, Suite 100 Elk River, MN 55330-4468
Filling out the form does not guarantee an appointment but will get the patient’s name on an interest list for upcoming clinics.
5. New as of Feb. 18, the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector is a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. When Minnesotans become eligible, the Vaccine Connector will:
• alert them of their eligibility;
• connect them to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment; and
• notify them if there are vaccine opportunities in their area. Go to https://vaccineconnector.mn.gov/
Minnesotans unable to sign up online can have family or friends help them sign up online, or call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone.
Translation is available by phone in all languages. Minnesotans can call the translation hotlines at 833-431-2053 and 651-318-0989 for assistance signing up over the phone.
Filling out the form does not guarantee an appointment but will get the patient’s name on an interest list for upcoming clinics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ok to be on all the interest lists available in MN?
Yes, it is unclear who may have vaccine available first. If someone is contacted after having already been vaccinated, they can just ask to be removed from the list.
If someone has signed up for the pre-registration list for the Community Vaccination Program should they sign up for the Vaccine Connector as well?
No, those registered through either the COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program or the COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program do not need to resubmit their information.
Should educators or child care providers sign up for the Vaccine Connector?
Yes. All Minnesotans who have not yet been vaccinated should sign up to ensure they stay updated on vaccination opportunities in their area when they become available — including educators and child care providers.
Those who already completed the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine – Education and Child Care survey do not need to complete the Vaccine Connector form or re-submit their information. Educators, school staff, and child care workers will continue to hear from their local public health agency, employer, state-sponsored community vaccination site, or state vaccination partner about when and where they can get vaccinated.
Are those who sign up for the Vaccine Connector required to get vaccinated through the options sent to them?
No. Those who are eligible to get vaccinated do not have to wait for information from the Vaccine Connector before getting the shot. If someone’s health care provider, pharmacy or local public health contacts them about making an appointment, or if they have another opportunity to get vaccinated, they can and should do that.
Vaccine Process in Sherburne County
Friday: Sherburne County Public Health gets notification of how much vaccine will be available next week and who it is intended for.
Sat-Tue: Sherburne County Public Health gets emails out to interested 65+ group with instructions on how to schedule an appt online. The email is intended for the person the interest list, not to be shared with others.
Wed-Fri: Vaccine clinics at the determined locations. This is currently at the Sherburne County Government Center in Elk River.
Process will get repeated to schedule an appointment in 28 days for the second dose.
