MARSHALL — Starting today, Minnesota will be taking another step forward in vaccinating essential workers and vulnerable people against COVID-19.

The Minnesota Department of Health announced Monday that Marshall will be one of nine community pilot sites for COVID-19 vaccination around the state. While vaccine supplies are still limited, the state will be taking steps to start immunizing teachers, child care workers, and adults age 65 and older.

“These new state sites will immediately provide more vaccines to some Minnesotans who are eligible for their shot,” said Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm.

“More importantly, this pilot program will help Minnesota continue to build up a broad and multi-channel vaccine distribution system with our local public health, healthcare, and pharmacy partners for vaccine access once the federal government begins shipping a higher volume of doses. Not every Minnesotan can get the vaccine right now, but we will be ready to give a shot to everyone who needs one once we have more doses on hand.”

The announcement comes as the COVID-19 death toll in the Marshall area has continued to rise. The MDH has reported the deaths of two more Lyon County residents over the past week, bringing the county’s total to 36. The two most recent deaths included a Lyon County resident in their 80s, which was reported Jan. 14, and one resident in their 90s, whose death was reported Jan. 17.

The MDH said it will provide more information on the vaccine pilot program and make appointment scheduling available online at mn.gov/vaccine starting around noon today.

However, health officials are cautioning Minnesotans that the supply of COVID-19 vaccine is “very limited” right now. Vaccines will be available by appointment only. People who would rather get the vaccine through their regular health care provider should wait for their providers to let them know when there is vaccine available for eligible patients, the MDH said.

Educators and child care workers should not try to make an appointment unless they have been notified by their employers that they have been selected to receive a vaccine, the MDH said. Because of limited vaccine supplies, the state has recommended that schools prioritize their allotment of vaccines.

“Beginning to vaccinate educators, including all school staff, as well as our partners in the child care industry through the pilot sites is exciting,” said Deputy Education Commissioner Heather Mueller. “While we do not have enough doses for everyone who wants a vaccine to receive one right away, we are building the system and structure so that once we receive those additional doses from the federal government, we can move quickly to support our school staff and bring even more students back into our classrooms.”

At the same time that public health officials are launching the community pilot program, health care workers and long-term care residents and staff will still be receiving COVID-19 vaccines, the MDH said.

In a Monday statement, Gov. Tim Walz urged Minnesotans to stay patient as more vaccine arrives. Minnesota was taking a step in the right direction, he said.

“We are building for the future and doing what we can to get more shots to Minnesotans right now,” Walz said.

“By beginning to serve those age 65 and older, educators and child care workers, we are immunizing for impact. It’s a step in the right direction on this long road to recovery. The federal government has been giving mixed messages on vaccine availability and guidance, and we need them to step up and get more vaccine to the state. When they do, we will be ready. The end of this pandemic is closer today than it was yesterday.”

Walz has criticized the limited availability of COVID-19 vaccines, and has called on the federal government to purchase more. Last week, Walz was one of several state governors to sign a letter expressing their frustration with the current administration’s handling of vaccine distribution.

The news that Marshall was chosen as a pilot site was positive for southwest Minnesota residents, Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, said Monday.

“This pilot site will be critical for delivering the vaccine to Minnesotans who want it in Southwest Minnesota,” Swedzinski said in a Monday release.

“I am grateful that folks in our area won’t have to travel hundreds of miles to get vaccinated. Targeting the vaccine to vulnerable Minnesotans and teachers is a crucial step to reopening our economy, getting our kids back in school, and protecting those who are most impacted by the disease.”

Swedzinski’s news release said he planned to post website, phone and other important contact information about the pilot site to his legislative Facebook page as it becomes available.