Over the past few years, the increase of COVID-19 cases during the fall and winter months has become a pattern. Officials from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) say that it may be too early to declare a consistent seasonal nature of COVID-19 as seen with the flu and RSV but strongly encourage Minnesotans to get updated vaccines this fall.
“Though we can’t be certain, we anticipate that Minnesota will see a similar seasonal pattern this year. We are seeing numbers increase right now, but it’s too early to predict how much of a surge we will see,” said Garry Bowman, a Department of Health spokesman.
Last month, Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order directing MDH to protect vaccine access following shifting federal guidelines which narrowed the ability for people 65 and younger or who don’t have an underlying health condition to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of advisors selected by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., voted in September that updated COVID-19 vaccines no longer be recommended for anyone 6 months or older, rather the decision is left to the individual after consulting with a doctor.
The change in universal guidance for the COVID-19 vaccine from the panel has raised concerns about the impact on accessibility of the vaccine, insurance coverage and general confusion and hesitancy around when and if to get an updated COVID vaccine.
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In an unprecedented break, MDH along with public health departments and agencies across the country have endorsed existing recommendations for updated COVID-19 shots from professional medical associations.
Minnesota Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham emphasized that updated vaccine shots help prevent severe illness and death for those of all ages and said the stakes are too high not to follow the science.
“This is a unique moment where vaccine information from federal health leaders leaves important information gaps for Minnesotans,” she said in a press release following the CDC vote. “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.”
Hennepin County’s public health clinic and free walk-in clinics for children will begin receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine in the coming weeks. The county’s public health director, Sara Hollie, said state actions help send a clear message about vaccine access.
Vaccine hesitancy is always a concern for public health agencies, she said. The county works with health workers and community liaisons who help answer questions in real time so “we can start to debunk some of those myths.”
How widespread is COVID in Minnesota right now?
Minnesota has seen 338 COVID-19 deaths and 4,310 hospitalizations in 2025, according to the state’s COVID data dashboard.
Tests of wastewater samples show COVID levels rising beginning in late June, followed by a spike in hospitalizations in late August.
“We are seeing an uptick in the rate of hospitalizations, but the rate is relatively low, especially when compared to last fall and winter. The COVID-19 associated mortality rate is also quite low but generally does lag hospitalizations,” Bowman said.
Those 75 and older still have the highest rates of hospitalization, a trend seen through the pandemic, he said.
Are health officials anticipating a surge this fall?
Bowman said the state has seen an increase in COVID cases in the fall and winter months in recent years, and that pattern is likely to continue this year. He said it’s too early to predict how much cases might spike this year.
How is this affecting communities with less access to health care?
“MDH does not have data to answer this question,” Bowman said. ”However, we know that COVID is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can spread easily from person to person in any community, which is why protective measures such as vaccines, staying home when sick, frequently washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes and other standard public health practices are so important.”
Who should get a COVID vaccine?
State health officials say an updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months and older.
The updated vaccine is also recommended for all adults, especially those at risk of severe infection and those who have never had a COVID vaccine.
When is the best time to get the updated vaccine?
The updated COVID vaccine is currently available at local pharmacies and will likely be available through hospitals and clinics in the coming weeks.
Those who have recently had COVID can delay getting the updated vaccine for three months after symptoms or a positive test. The risk of reinfection is lower during this period.
How long does the protection last?
Protection from an updated vaccine has been found to last about six months. It can also offer protection against serious illness, hospitalization and the risks of long COVID.
What are the most common symptoms of the current strains? (Ex: knife-edge sore throat)
COVID symptoms can vary, but often include a painful sore throat, fever, chills, body aches, headache, runny or stuffy nose, cough, and fatigue.
Because those symptoms can overlap with other common respiratory illnesses, such as flu or RSV, it’s best to check with your health care provider if you have questions, if symptoms get worse, “or if you are at high risk of complications from COVID,” Bowman said.
Will my insurance pay for an updated COVID shot?
Most private insurance plans are covering 100% of the cost of the updated COVID vaccine, but check with your plan if you have questions.
Those on the state’s medical assistance plans are covered.
What if I’m uninsured?
The state has two programs that provide vaccines at low or no cost for children and adults.
The Uninsured and Underinsured Adult Vaccine program provides vaccines to uninsured adults at clinics around the state.
The Minnesota Vaccines for Children program offers free vaccinations for children. Health officials recommend calling ahead to confirm vaccine availability.
Free or low-cost vaccines are available for some children and adults through Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County and other local health agencies.
