Minnesota Health Department Diverges from Federal COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance

On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced its decision to deviate from federal recommendations regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, opting instead to back the views of certain medical associations.

This move comes after the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, just last Friday, chose not to provide guidance for the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine, suggesting instead that vaccination is a personal decision.

Interestingly, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—who has expressed skepticism towards vaccines—has made significant changes this year by removing all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and appointing his own selections.

For this year, MDH is siding with the recommendations from three independent medical groups: the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

These organizations collectively advise that everyone aged six months and older should have the option to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with particular emphasis on children aged six to 23 months, pregnant individuals, and those with high-risk health conditions.

MDH Commissioner Brooke Cunningham noted that this decision reflects a commitment to “following the science.” She mentioned how current federal vaccine communications leave critical gaps for Minnesota residents. “These independent bodies have conducted thorough reviews and concluded that the COVID-19 vaccine is both safe and necessary for individuals at all ages,” Cunningham stated.

The MDH’s guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine includes provisions for pharmacists as well, and it follows an executive order from Gov. Tim Walz earlier this month, which aims to enhance vaccine accessibility throughout Minnesota.