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Avera Marshall expands COVID-19 vaccine criteria

MARSHALL — Minnesota recently expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, and Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center is inviting more people to sign up for vaccine appointments.

People who are in the next two tiers of vaccine eligibility, which include people with underlying health conditions, food processing plant workers, and a variety of essential frontline workers, can contact Avera Marshall’s call center if they would like to schedule an appointment.

“With the efforts of all of the organizations administering vaccine in our region, collectively we’ve been able to vaccinate more than 80% of people over age 65 in Lyon County,” said Debbie Streier, regional president and CEO at Avera Marshall.

“Our team has been anticipating and preparing for this expansion to additional groups, so we are happy to be able to move ahead. Vaccinating more people in our communities helps bring us another step closer to a return to normal, which all of us are eager to reach.”

On March 10, the state opened up two new tiers of vaccine eligibility, in addition to vaccinating seniors and teachers. Now, the list of people eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines includes:

• Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions: Sickle cell disease, Down syndrome, those in cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant, oxygen-dependent chronic lung and heart conditions (COPD & CHF)

• Food processing plant workers

• Minnesotans with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk of severe illness

• Minnesotans age 45 years and older with one or more underlying medical conditions identified by the CDC

• Minnesotans age 16 years and older with two or more underlying medical conditions

• Minnesotans age 50 years and older in multi-generational housing

• Essential frontline workers including: Agricultural, airport staff, child care workers, workers in correctional settings, first responders, food production, food retail, food service, judicial system workers, manufacturing, public health workers, public transit, and U.S. Postal Service workers

Individuals can call 507-532-9661 to schedule a vaccination appointment. People who are already on Avera Marshall’s waiting list do not need to call again. The call center will reach out to individuals on the list who meet current guidelines to schedule appointments.

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