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COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 Boosters
According to the CDC, staying up to date with COVID-19 booster doses can help restore protection since the initial vaccine series and the updated, bivalent booster vaccine targets the most recent Omicron subvariants. Visit the CDC's website for a tool to Find Out When You Can Get Your Booster.
COVID-19 Symptom Information Sources
- MDH COVID-19 Hotline 1-833-431-2053 (Interpreters available)
- CDC Guide - What to Do if You Are Sick
- CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker (*Not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19)
- CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator (A tool to help determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19)
Public Information Sources about COVID-19
- Governor Walz’s Official COVID-19 in Minnesota site
- MN Dept. of Health (MDH) Situation Update - Updated every Thursday at 11:00am
- Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Situation Summary
Testing Options
Order Tests from MDH
Each household in Minnesota can order At-Home tests from MDH. The tests will ship directly to the address you provide, you will receive 4 test kits per order. Supplies are limited.
Community Testing Locations
Community testing sites offer rapid or saliva testing. Hours vary for each testing location. Visit the website for details about each testing location.
| COVID-19 Testing Sites in Scott County | ||
|---|---|---|
| Allina Health Shakopee 1601 St. Francis Ave. Suite 100
| CVS Pharmacies - Shakopee | Hy-Vee Pharmacies (New Prague, Savage, Shakopee) |
| Parkview Medical Clinic New Prague 1400 1st St. NE
| Ridgeview Belle Plaine Clinic 165 Commerce Dr. W.
| Walgreens Drive-Thru Testing (New Prague, Savage, Shakopee)
|
Vaccination Clinics
COVID vaccinations are available at the Scott County Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for individuals ages 6 months and older. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins welcome for vaccination clinics. If you need assistance with registration, call 952-496-8555.
Se requieren citas para las clínicas de vacunación. Para obtener ayuda de registrarse en español, llame 952-496-8555.
Scott County Government Center West (Shakopee) Vaccines Available: Pfizer-BioNTech
For COVID-19 Vaccines not listed above, please see your local pharmacy or Primary Care Provider. Location: SCGC - Health & Human Services Clinic Entrance (links to Google Maps) Clinic Dates:Clinic Hours are 12:30-4:30pm. To schedule an appointment call 952-496-8555 May 22, Monday June 7, Wednesday June 14, Wednesday July 10, Monday July 26, Wednesday August 9, Wednesday August, 21, Monday September 6, Wednesday September 25, Monday Clinic Hours are 12:30-4:30pm. To schedule an appointment call 952-496-8555 |
Other Free Vaccination Options
- MN Vaccine Connector Clinics: Make appointments at the Mall of America and other sites sponsored by the State of Minnesota. Walk-up options also available.
- MN Find a Vaccine Search Tool: Enter your zip code to find a local provider. You may need to call to find out which vaccine is being administered by the provider.
- Hy-Vee Pharmacies: Enter your zip code to see if appointments or walk-up opportunities are available at your local Hy-Vee.
- Walgreens Pharmacies: A Walgreens account may be required.
Hometown Conversations with Dr. Wilcox
Who better to ask health questions than your hometown doctor? Below is a conversation with New Prague’s Dr. Mike Wilcox, Scott County Medical Director:
What are the current COVID-19 trends?
COVID-19 had a very large uptick the first of the year, due to the Omicron variant. The Omicron strain spread more quickly than previous strains, infecting many people. Now, as we move into late winter, infections have significantly declined.
Why do you think the COVID-19 infection numbers are down?
I believe between all the people who are vaccinated and people who carry some of their own immunity by having COVID-19, the virus has become less prevalent
Do you think there will be another surge of the virus?
I believe we will continue to see additional variants, but I’m optimistic that they will not be as lethal as the Delta variant was. While Omicron spread quickly, it did not seem to present major lung or respiratory problems, especially for those who were vaccinated. In moving forward, I believe between all the people who are vaccinated and people who carry some of their own immunity by having COVID-19, the variants will continue to weaken.
Should you get vaccinated – even if you had COVID-19?
While having been infected with COVID-19 does provide some of your own immunity, I believe vaccinations are the best defense to weaken the variant strains. There are still many people who get infected and do not survive.
With the decline of infections, can we stop taking precautions - like masking?
I believe people should continue to wear masks as they are an important step to stop the spread of the virus. There has been talk about the quality of the masks. While the KN95 masks provide the best protection, any mask is better than none.
Will there be a point when the vaccine will prevent people from getting COVID-19?
I see COVID-19 being very similar to influenza. The flu pandemic of 1918 took many lives. Researchers learned they needed to work on identifying and preventing death from each new strain. I see something very similar for ongoing response to COVID-19. The annual boosters will fight the current strain, just like the flu boosters do for influenza.
Outside of personal health, what are some other concerns related to COVID-19?
My biggest concern is our health systems. It is imperative we do all we can to prevent hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Our health system is stretched to its limit. We need to focus on staying healthy so our healthcare community can concentrate on other medical needs, such as cancer and heart disease.