In response to federal actions restricting vaccine availability at the federal level, Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order directing the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to expand its efforts to safeguard vaccine access in Minnesota The executive order also directs the state epidemiologist to issue a standing order for the COVID-19 vaccine, which would provide greater flexibility for health care providers and pharmacists to provide the vaccine.

MDH has responded to that order and announced its plans for vaccine access.

“Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements in modern medicine,” said Walz. “While the Trump Administration attempts to limit Americans’ access to preventative care, Minnesota will be guided by science and medical expertise, prioritizing the health and safety of our people.”

“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 Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “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.”

Recently U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to change recommendations to limit vaccine access.

Walz’s order directs state agencies to work collaboratively across the state enterprise, with independent boards, and with insurers, health care 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 three and up without a separate prescription. This process does not rely on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations. COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available for people at clinics and pharmacies and there should be increasing availability over the next several weeks.

MDH has announced it is endorsing existing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from professional medical associations for the 2025-26 vaccine. MDH is encouraging the public and providers to look to the recommendations for the best science-based guidance on immunizations at this time.

Focusing on recommendations from these professional medical associations is a departure from prior years when the agency primarily relied on promoting federal vaccine recommendations. MDH is making this change to provide recommendations for Minnesotans seeking science-based decision-making guidance.

“We’re following the science, and the science is clear. COVID-19 vaccines prevent severe illness and death for people of all ages, and we want to ensure access to vaccination,” said Cunningham. “This is a unique moment where vaccine information from federal health leaders leaves important information gaps for Minnesotans. These independent medical associations have all looked at the science and concluded that COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and important for people across the lifespan.”

MDH endorses updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The associations developed guidance recommending that all people over 6 months old should have the option to receive the COVID-19 vaccine without additional barriers. There is a strong recommendation for children under 2 years, pregnant women, children and adults with high-risk conditions, and adults age 65 and older to get vaccinated.

More detailed information about the recommendations can be found on COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Minnesotans. “Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements in modern medicine and help protect people of all ages,” said MDH Medical Director and State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield. “We encourage people to talk to their health care provider about all of the vaccines that are recommended for them, especially flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccines, right now as we enter the respiratory disease season.”