BROWN COUNTY–The majority of Brown County residents are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but despite expanded eligibility, local sign-up for the vaccine is slow.

Brown County Public Health, along with our area clinics and pharmacies, want to share that vaccination eligibility has been expanded throughout the county. Appointments are now available for anyone 18 and over through Brown County Public Health, and 16 and over through all other vaccination sites in the county. Despite this, the expanded eligibility sign-up for the vaccine is going unfilled.

Recently, New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) noted sign-ups for vaccine appointments are diminishing.

For several months, the demand for the vaccine was high, but the supply of the vaccine was limited. This forced providers to priorities certain groups. The first group priorities were healthcare workers and those in long-term care facilities. For months, only those in the highest priority group could receive an appointment to receive the vaccine. Now the majority of citizens are eligible to receive the vaccine, but many are hesitant to sign-up even though they are eligible.

NUMCe was recently forced to cancel a four-hour vaccine clinic because only seven individuals signed up. There are currently over 100 open appointment slots at NUMC next week. It is not necessary to be a patient at Allina to sign-up for a vaccine at NUMC.

Specific ways to access vaccination in Brown County:

New Ulm Medical Center – by phone only: 507-217-5011

Brown County Public Health – as vaccine becomes available, appointments are posted on our website at www.co.brown.mn.us. If the clinics are full, individuals can sign up for the BCPH vaccination waitlist, which is also found on our website. Those unable to complete the online form can call 507-233-6820 to sign up.

Sleepy Eye Medical Center – online at www.semedicalcenter.org/vaccinelist or by phone: 507-794-8453

Hy-Vee – online only: www.hy-vee.com/my-pharmacy/covid-vaccine

Walgreens – online at www.walgreens.com/ or by phone 507-359-8793 and press option 1

Walmart – online only: www.goodrx.com/covid-19/walmart

Thrifty White – online only: www.thriftywhite.com/covid19vaccine