The Minneapolis Health Department was notified on March 25 that the federal government pulled back all COVID-19 federal funds. The work supporting vaccination clinics and immunization education must cease immediately.
The department’s work includes:
- Educating the community on the importance of immunizations
- Free pediatric and adult vaccine clinics
- Updating immunization records for Minneapolis Public School students
Vaccine Clinics
The decision impacts the work of the Health Department’s free community vaccine clinics, providing pediatric and adult immunizations.
The City has contracts with MHealth Fairview, Odam Medical Clinic, and Neighborhood HealthSource. They were notified today that all work, including the free vaccine clinics, must stop immediately.
Serving the Community
In 2024, the Minneapolis Health Department partnered with community organizations to hold 87 vaccine clinics in underserved communities. The clinics provided:
- 800+ COVID-19 vaccines
- 700+ flu shots
- 500+ MPOX vaccines
The department also focused on childhood vaccinations. As of September 2024, only 70% of Minneapolis's 6-year-olds were up to date on their childhood immunization series. The work of the health department included:
- 21 vaccine clinics
- 1,475 vaccinations administered
- 501 patients served
- 12 vaccines available to youth.
“The impact on our community is substantial. We are canceling five free vaccine clinics scheduled for April, and the future of our vaccine services in underserved communities is uncertain," said Commissioner Damōn Chaplin, Minneapolis Health Department. “Decisions at the federal level threaten public health now and in the future.”
Staff Impact
The federal government’s decision to stop funding directly impacts three staff members with the Minneapolis Health Department working on our immunization program. The three dedicated Health Department employees are critical to the services we’re providing to the community. The City is evaluating all options. In the meantime, the three employees will remain on staff and be funded by other sources.
“Decisions at the federal level are impacting lives and hurting employees dedicated to making Minneapolis a healthy place to live. Their work on our vaccine program has saved lives and prevented illnesses throughout the city. Eliminating federal support for these positions hurts our community and puts more burden on Minneapolis to deliver our mission to improve the health and well-being of every community member,” said Chaplin.