COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Minnesotans

This webpage provides information to address the confusion surrounding the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for Minnesotans. This includes where to get the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines to keep you and your family healthy.

On this page:
What MDH is doing
2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations
Vaccine resources
Where to get vaccinated
Insurance coverage

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved four 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccines from three manufacturers on Aug. 27. For more detailed information on the vaccine products available visit Information About FDA Approved COVID-19 Vaccines.

What MDH is doing

MDH endorses existing evidence-based guidance from independent experts and professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

Some people may need more than one dose based on age, health status, and product received.

AAP: All children in this age group should be vaccinated with the 2025–26 COVID-19 formula, regardless of prior vaccination or infection history. Hospitalization rates in this group are high and are comparable to adults 50 to 64 years old.

AAFP: Aligns with AAP.

Some children in this age group, including those who are immunocompromised, may need more than one dose. Talk to your health care provider.

AAP: One dose recommended for children at high risk (underlying conditions, long-term care/congregate settings, never vaccinated, or living with high-risk household members). Vaccination may also be offered outside these groups if parents/guardians request.

AAFP: Aligns with AAP.

Children in this age group who are immunocompromised may need more than one dose. Talk to your health care provider.

AAFP: All adults should be vaccinated, including pregnant women. Vaccination is especially important for adults 65 and older, adults with underlying medical conditions, and those never vaccinated.

People may need more than one dose depending on age, health status, and the vaccine product they receive. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.

AAFP: Strong recommendation that all adults 65 years and older receive two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, six months apart.

ACOG and AAFP: Recommend vaccination during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating based on strong evidence of safety and protection for both the pregnant person and the baby.

Vaccine resources

Reliable Sources of Immunization Information
Where to go for accurate and up-to-date information on vaccines and vaccine safety. Includes websites, phone numbers, and publications.
Materials and Resources for COVID-19 Response
Video PSAs, print materials, and translated documents for COVID-19.
Vaccines Prevent to Protect - YouTube
Videos about how vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect against some diseases. Includes videos in Hmong, Somali, and Spanish.

What should you do

We recognize that it might be difficult to locate a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025–26 season. MDH has worked with pharmacies and vaccine providers to provide access to COVID-19 vaccines, including providing a standing order that pharmacies may use to offer vaccine to all people 3 years of age and older.

We recommend you contact your primary care provider or pharmacy in advance to ensure they have vaccine, and that you are able to receive one. COVID-19 vaccines are starting to arrive at clinics and pharmacies, with availability likely increasing over the coming weeks.

If you are looking for vaccine for your child, start by checking with your child's primary care provider. Access for kids may take a few weeks because there are fewer products this year and pharmacies cannot vaccinate children under the age of 3.

Per the recommendations above, all Minnesotans over 6 months old are recommended to get COVID 19 vaccine if they want it. People 65 and older, those with underlying health conditions, young children, and pregnant people are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Minnesotans should talk with their health care provider to ensure they and their families are up to date.

Where to Get Vaccinated

Find an immunization clinic near you. There are also resources for free or low-cost immunizations for people who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover the cost of vaccines.

Insurance coverage

The Minnesota Department of Commerce will work with health plans to ensure continued coverage for vaccines. At this time, we encourage calling your insurance to confirm coverage.

Minnesota operates two programs that provide certain vaccines at low or no cost to children and adults:

Minnesota Vaccines for Children (MnVFC) Program
Minnesota's version of the federal program to make vaccines accessible and affordable for all children within their medical homes. To determine your child's eligibility, visit Free or Low-Cost Shots for Children. Vaccine availability through the MnVFC is dependent on ACIP recommendations.
Uninsured and Underinsured Adult Vaccine (UUAV) Program
Provides certain vaccines at low cost to adults who don't have insurance or whose insurance doesn't fully cover recommended vaccines. This program is supported by MDH in partnership with local public health, clinics, and community organizations. Providers enrolled in UUAV order vaccines from MDH and administer them to eligible adults. To determine your eligibility and to locate a vaccination clinic visit Vaccination Clinics Serving Uninsured and Underinsured Adults.

Immunization