COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration authorizes booster for specific populations to strengthen immunity.
Those now eligible for a booster include:
  • people aged 65 and older and residents of long-term-care facilities
  • people aged 50-64 with underlying medical conditions that make them especially susceptible to severe COVID-19
  • people aged 18-49 with specific medical conditions, based on an assessment of their individual benefits and risks
  • people in the 18-64 age group who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission based on their occupational or institutional settings.
  • Community clergy  including church workers and other front line  personnel see MDH for listing
The United States Food and Drug Administration amended its emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine, allowing for a single booster dose to be administered at least six months after completion of the initial series.
As of Sept. 29, Essentia patients and non-patients alike in these additional groups can schedule a vaccine appointment via our   MyChart patient portal  or call (833) 494-0836 to schedule a vaccine appointment. Additionally,   Essentia Health pharmacies    will offer vaccination opportunities.   Please bring your vaccination card to your booster dose appointment.
Separate from the booster approval, the FDA and CDC previously had approved a third dose of mRNA vaccine — Pfizer or Moderna — for moderately to severely immunocompromised people as soon as 28 days after their second shot.
 Also see   COVID-19 testing page  on EssentiaHealth.org. There are drop down instructions that are different, depending on whether a patient has MyChart or not.

COVID-19 Testing
How can I get a COVID-19 Test?

If you're worried you have COVID-19 or have been around someone who has it - we can help you get tested.
Whether you're a new or current patient at Essentia Health, follow these steps to schedule your COVID-19 test. 
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Testing
In MyChart you will be able to schedule a test at one of our clinic sites.
If you're not using MyChart you will select the test site you'd like to go to after completing your E-visit.
When you arrive at the clinic site you will be screened and told where to go for registration. Masks are required at all our clinic locations. Testing for COVID-19 could incur a charge. Check with your insurance for coverage.

Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for Positive Test Results

Essentia Health offers a treatment for people at high risk for severe complications from COVID-19 who are diagnosed with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and meeting high-risk criteria. It is also now authorized as a preventive treatment following a close-contact COVID-19 exposure for people meeting high-risk criteria who are unvaccinated, those who may be fully vaccinated but immunocompromised or immunosuppressed, or for those at high risk of exposure in an institutional setting.
Learn more about monoclonal antibody treatment and eligibility to receive this treatment.