ST. PAUL, Minn. — Upon authorization from the Centers for Disease Control, Minnesota’s health care providers will be ready to vaccinate children 6 months and older against COVID-19, according to Gov. Tim Walz.

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel voted to recommend vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for that age group on Wednesday. Providers cannot vaccinate these children until the Centers for Disease Control issue vaccination recommendations, which could happen this weekend.

Following CDC’s recommendations, the federal government will ship vaccine doses to providers in Minnesota. Federal officials expect the first doses to arrive in the state early next week, if the vaccine is authorized this weekend.

Minnesota’s provider network — primarily medical systems, pediatricians, family practice providers, local clinics, and pharmacies — will administer most COVID-19 vaccines to children between 6 months and 5 years old because of their expertise caring for young children. The state’s Community Vaccination site at the Mall of America will also offer appointments.

“This is a landmark moment in Minnesota’s fight against the pandemic. Many families have waited long waited for their children to get a COVID-19 shot to help prevent severe illness and keep children in the classroom and activities,” Walz said. “We have worked with an extensive network of health experts and community partners to help make sure Minnesota families who want a vaccine can get their child the shots.”

Walz said he urges the federal government to quickly ship doses to Minnesota providers once the CDC recommends the vaccines, so, “Soon, the whole family can finally have strong protection against COVID-19.”

While the doses are being delivered, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan suggested to parents to prepare by contacting their doctors or health care providers.

“If your child does not have a regular pediatrician, this is a great opportunity to connect with one and ensure your child is up to date on all their vaccinations and regular medical needs,” she said.

Once authorized, a network of providers mobilized by the Walz administration will begin to offer the vaccine to families. Initial demand is expected to be high, and families wishing to get the vaccine in a specific location — such as through their family pediatrician — might need to wait several weeks until appointments are available.

“The health of our little ones is so important, and the COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months and older has been found to be safe and is effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization. The vaccine will help keep children safe from COVID-19,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm.

During the pandemic, Malcolm said many children have missed well-child visits and recommended vaccinations, so now would be an optimal time to reconnect with a child’s health care provider.

WHERE TO GET VACCINES

Providers can be found using the Find Vaccine Locations map at mn.gov, which will be updated as vaccines arrive in Minnesota. Initially, appointments may be limited.

More than 320 primary care providers, pediatric and family medicine offices, federally qualified health centers, local public health agencies, tribal health offices, and Indian Health Service locations report they will offer the vaccine to children between 6 months and 5 years old. Of these, 268 providers say they will begin vaccinating within one week of receiving their doses.

At least 44 Minute Clinic locations around Minnesota say they will vaccinate children between 18 months and 5 years old. All 44 of these Minute Clinic locations say they will begin vaccinating within one week of receiving their doses.

At least 50 Minnesota pharmacies say they will vaccinate children between 3-5 years old. Forty-four of these pharmacy locations say they will begin vaccinating within one week of receiving their doses.

The state’s Community Vaccination location at the Mall of America will begin administering the vaccine as soon as Wednesday, June 22. If doses arrive on time, parents can begin making appointments for the Mall of America site online beginning Monday, June 20. Initially, appointments will be required for this age group.

To expand equal access to the vaccine, 21 COVID-19 Community Coordinators will host vaccination clinics for children under 5 in communities around Minnesota in the weeks ahead.

The Minnesota Department of Health is partnering with Children’s Minnesota to host weekly vaccination clinics at four Children’s clinic locations in the metro: West Saint Paul, Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul. All families, including those who are not Children’s patients, are welcome.