COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Updated: Minnesotans over 6 Months Can Receive Shot with Consultation

Strategic Insights -

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine, recommending that anyone over 6 months can receive the shot after consulting with a pharmacist or healthcare provider. This decision comes after weeks of confusion following restrictions from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August. The updated guidance is a "shared clinical decision-making" guideline, a step down from "routine" recommendations for vaccines.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has already released standing orders to ensure that Minnesotans 3 years old and up can get a COVID shot regardless of federal recommendations. Minnesota's right to receive the COVID vaccine is protected on both the state and federal level now.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CDC has updated its guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine, recommending that anyone over 6 months can receive the shot after consulting with a pharmacist or healthcare provider.
  • The updated guidance is a "shared clinical decision-making" guideline, a step down from "routine" recommendations for vaccines.
  • The Minnesota Department of Health has released standing orders to ensure that Minnesotans 3 years old and up can get a COVID shot regardless of federal recommendations.
  • Minnesota's right to receive the COVID vaccine is protected on both the state and federal level now.
  • Most insurance plans will cover the COVID vaccine, but individuals should confirm with their insurance company.
  • Minnesotans can find Minnesota's respiratory vaccine recommendations for this year on the state health department's website.

Statistics:

  • 6 months: the minimum age recommended by the CDC for individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine after consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • 3 years: the minimum age for Minnesotans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through the state's standing orders.
  • 13 states: require health insurers to cover the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to Minnesota which allows insurance companies to decide coverage.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/cdc-immunization-schedule-individual-decision-covid19-standalone-chickenpox-toddlers.html)
  • Yale School of Public Health (https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/a-look-at-the-new-covid-vaccine-guidelines-and-what-happened-at-acip/)
  • Minnesota Department of Health (https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/hcp/cov3to11y25.pdf and https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/hcp/cov12to64y25.pdf)
  • Kaiser Family Foundation (https://www.kff.org/other-health/acip-cdc-and-insurance-coverage-of-vaccines-in-the-united-states/)
  • America's Health Insurance Plans (https://www.ahip.org/news/press-releases/ahip-statement-on-vaccine-coverage)
  • Minnesota Department of Health (https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/resprecs.pdf)