St. Louis County Updates COVID Test, Vaccine + Booster Clinics

To accommodate the launch of the State of Minnesota's rapid test site for COVID-19 in Hibbing, St. Louis County Public Health is changing its schedule of testing events to provide more days with test options on the Iron Range and the greater county.

Starting the week of November 1, here are the dates, times, and locations for free COVID-19 tests on the Iron Range:

Wednesdays: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Eveleth Auditorium: 423 Jackson Street
Fridays: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - St. Louis County Public Works Facility (training room): 7823 Highway 135, Virginia

These particular COVID-19 testing sites utilize the Vault saliva tests. Results from these tests usually come back within 24 to 48 hours after the test is complete. No appointment is needed to participate or use these testing facilities.

St. Louis County Public Health also reminds everyone about the additional opportunities for testing that are operated by the State of Minnesota. Details about those sites - located in Hibbing at the Armory and in Duluth at the DECC are available on the State of Minnesota's website.

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In regards to vaccine clinic opportunities, St. Louis County Public Health is offering booster doses of all three COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Eligibility for the booster doses is as follows:

Everyone age 65-plus
Anyone age 18-plus who works or lives in a setting that puts them at high risk of exposure
Anyone who has underlying medical conditions

The Pfizer and Moderna boosters are recommended to be given six months after the second dose was received. The Johnson & Johnson booster is recommended two months after the initial dose was received. It's worth noting that as per the CDC's latest recommendation, people may choose to receive a different booster than the original vaccine they received.

St. Louis County Public Health offers first and second doses of Pfizer and Moderna and the single dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine at their county clinics. Additionally, they also offer the third doses of Pfizer and Moderna for immunocompromised individuals.

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Here are the details about the available COVID-19 vaccine clinic opportunities in St. Louis County over the next week:

Wednesday, November 3: Shriners Center and Meeting Facility: 5152 Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Friday, November 5: St. Louis County Government Services Center-Duluth: 320 West 2nd Street, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Friday, November 5: St. Louis County Government Services Center-Virginia: 201 South 3rd Avenue West, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

St. Louis County Public Health officials are also passing on information about the potential for the Pfizer vaccine being approved next week for children ages 5 to 11. Even if it's approved, St. Louis County Public Health will not be offering it any of the above listed clinics at this time. Vaccine clinics for children age 5 to 11 are being planned but will not be announced until the vaccine receives the final necessary authorizations.

What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, you're handed a card that details the date, manufacturer variety, and location of your dose. If you're getting one of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you'll need that card to coordinate your second and final dose. But even with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and even after getting the second shot, you'll need to keep that card in a safe place.

While nationwide vaccine mandates aren't a thing at the present time, there are a variety of times you might need that card even after completing the vaccine process. Many schools (primary, secondary, and higher education) are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine similar to other vaccinations. Additionally, some entertainment venues and mass transportation are requiring either proof of a negative COVID test or the vaccine card.

So what happens if you lose it? Relax. There are ways of obtaining a replacement - and they differ slightly whether you've lost it before getting both doses or after.

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Answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

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Keep reading to discover answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions.

Filed Under: COVID-19 Coronavirus, Duluth, minnesota, St Louis County, Twin Ports

Categories: Duluth / Superior News, Featured