SAINT PAUL, MN — In a major break from past practice, Minnesota health officials on Monday announced the state will no longer rely primarily on the CDC and FDA for COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.

Instead, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is endorsing guidance from leading national medical associations, saying federal leaders have left “important information gaps” for Minnesotans.

The new recommendations come from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Together, the groups recommend that everyone 6 months and older should have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Stronger guidance urges vaccination for children under 2, pregnant women, people with high-risk conditions, and adults age 65 and older.

“We’re following the science, and the science is clear,” Health Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham said.

“COVID-19 vaccines prevent severe illness and death for people of all ages, and we want to ensure access to vaccination. 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.”

Under President Donald Trump, federal health authorities recently limited eligibility for the shot to people 65 and older, and those 6 months and up with at least one underlying health condition that increases their risk of severe illness.

Walz Steps In With Executive Order

The announcement Monday follows a Sept. 8 executive order from Gov. Tim Walz directing MDH to issue clear vaccine guidance amid concerns that the federal administration could move to limit access. The order also instructed MDH and the Minnesota Department of Commerce to convene health plans, providers, and professional groups to ensure ongoing coverage and access.

Part of the state’s response includes issuing a new standing order that empowers pharmacists to administer COVID-19 shots, removing barriers to access. Pharmacists can vaccinate people ages 3 and older.

Vaccines Arriving Now

The 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccines are starting to arrive at Minnesota clinics and pharmacies, with supply expected to increase in the coming weeks. Minnesotans are encouraged to:

Call their clinic or pharmacy to confirm availability, especially for pediatric doses, which may arrive more slowly. Check with their insurance provider if they have questions about coverage. Ask their provider about other seasonal vaccines, including flu and RSV. COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as other shots.

Minnesota also operates programs that provide free or low-cost vaccines to children and adults without insurance or whose insurance does not cover vaccines.

MDH Urges Minnesotans To Protect Themselves

“Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements in modern medicine and help protect people of all ages,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, MDH’s state epidemiologist.

“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.””