Updated 5/13/2021

As vaccine eligibility and availability continues to expand across the country, we are all starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel a bit more clearly. Vaccinations are the key component to ending the pandemic through herd immunity and getting back to doing what we love.

Fortunately, all Americans 16 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

“As we continue our collective mission to end the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important to make sure everyone has access to a COVID-19 vaccine,” says Dr. Mark Steffen, vice president and chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. “Vaccines are a safe and effective way to keep you and your family safe as we look forward to reuniting with loved ones and reinvigorating our communities.”

Three easy steps as you await your turn

For those who are ready to be vaccinated, there are a few simple steps you can take to book an appointment.

1. Seek out a vaccine location finder tool. Those in Minnesota can find more information on vaccine availability using tools from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) by bookmarking the “Find Vaccine Locations” For those in other states, we have a list of health departments in all 50 states on our website as a good place to start.
2. Put your name on a notification list. Another good step is to put your name on a notification list. Minnesota residents can sign up for MDH’s “Vaccine Connector” tool, which will send notifications when vaccine is available for you.
3. Check the process for your clinic or local pharmacy. Check availability and prioritization processes with your doctor’s office and local pharmacy. Availability of the vaccine does vary, so it’s a good idea to start by checking your provider’s website for more information. (Check out the COVID-19 resource center on bluecrossmn.com for a list of Minnesota providers and pharmacies with vaccinations.) You may also want to ask about waiting lists or notification alerts from your clinic and/or local pharmacy as a follow up.

Need more information before scheduling your appointment? Here’s where to go

With so much information about vaccines being widely shared, many people are left with more questions. Blue Cross is committed to provide our members with the information you need about the COVID-19 vaccines. These earlier articles from our blog may be helpful resources:

• Answers to common questions about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine
• No matter the COVID-19 vaccine, they're all safe and effective
• What to know about the COVID-19 vaccine and Blue Cross MN coverage

In addition, we realize many people have specific health-related questions and concerns about being vaccinated, which are important to discuss.

“Those who have questions should reach out to the primary care provider,” Dr. Steffen says. “It is important to feel comfortable and confident in the decision to receive the vaccine and your doctor will be the best resource to answer any questions before you schedule your appointment.”

Ensuring equitable vaccine access for all

As we work to end this pandemic together, Blue Cross is working hard to make sure all Minnesotans have the information they need about the vaccine, as well as equitable access to being vaccinated. Our efforts have prioritized building trust and confidence in the vaccine in Black, Indigenous and communities of color (BIPOC communities), groups disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

“Blue Cross is firmly committed to racial equity and are working to ensure that BIPOC communities― who have been adversely impacted by this pandemic― have culturally relevant information and equitable access to the vaccine,” Dr. Steffen says. “We are grateful to work with many wonderful partners from these communities in our effort to ensure everyone can be vaccinated.”

You can read more about how Blue Cross is addressing the racial and health disparities and work being done to bring equitable vaccine access to BIPOC communities in the following articles:

• Blue Cross partnering with TPT to bring culturally relevant COVID-19 vaccine info to BIPOC communities
• Building COVID-19 vaccine trust in Indigenous communities
• The importance of creating access to vaccination and rebuilding trust in Black communities
• Increasing access to COVID-19 vaccines in Minnesota Hmong communities

Editor's note: 

As of May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the following guidelines for what you can do when fully vaccinated:

• If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
• Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by law,  local business and workplace guidance.
• If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, find a vaccine.