MINNESOTA:
On March 26th, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that any Minnesota resident 16 years and older will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine shot starting Tuesday, March 30th.
Up to now, the vaccine has been targeted toward Minnesotans 65 and older, to those with certain underlying health conditions, or who work in jobs that put them at highest risk of getting COVID-19.
Thus far, more than 878,000 people — about 15.8 percent of the state’s population — have completed their vaccinations while more than 1.4 million — 26.5 percent — have received at least one dose, including about 79 percent of Minnesotans age 65 and older.
The decision to increase vaccine eligibility stems from the rising number of doses available and the increased concern of COVID strains.
Based upon the number of doses in stock, Minnesota Health Department leaders expect to provide 300,000 Minnesotans their first shot and an additional 200,000 doses to provide people their second shot by the first week of April.
The efficacy of a complete vaccination is showing positive signs. Of the more than 850,000 Minnesotans completely vaccinated, the state’s identified only 89 individuals who have subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.
TEXAS:
Texas also announced it would open the eligibility to the COVID-19 vaccine to all Texan adults starting March 29th.
BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES:
The Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) released best practices for employers to aid the vaccination process for its employees. The CDC recommends employers host a vaccination clinic at their office if they have a large number of employees with predictable schedules or consider attending an off-site vaccination clinic for employers with a small number of employees with highly variable schedules. Employers operating in multiple states and counties should establish a vaccination committee and/or immunization champion. This committee or champion should monitor vaccination rollout across jurisdictions and notify workers when they are eligible. Whether vaccinations occur at the workplace or in the community, employers should offer flexible, non-punitive sick leave options for employees with any subsequent symptoms after vaccination.
Virtus Law, PLLC continues to monitor changes in this area and will continue to post relevant updates to this website.