Minnesota hits 70% mark for 1st vaccinations for 16 and up

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota has reached the milestone of vaccinating 70% of its population age 16 and older with at least one dose against COVID-19.

Gov. Tim Walz credits a recent rise in vaccination rates amid concerns over the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus, and the state’s $100 rewards for people who get their first shot before Aug. 15.

“Minnesotans are continuing to answer the urgent call and do their part to end this pandemic,” Governor Walz said in a press release. “The data is clear: vaccines are our key to fighting COVID-19 and the Delta variant, and millions of Minnesotans rolled up their sleeves to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. While we are making progress, there is no time to waste in making sure every Minnesotan who can get the shot does so. It will save lives.”

RELATED: Here are the daily Coronavirus stats in Minnesota.

The number of first doses administered per week is up 129% after bottoming out a month ago.

New vaccinations peaked in April in Minnesota.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minnesota currently leads the Midwest in the percentage of the overall population who have completed their vaccination series (54.4%) and residents 65-and-older with at least one vaccine dose (93%). Minnesota is still one of only two Midwestern states to achieve President Biden’s goal to get 70% of adults 18+ at least one vaccine dose by July 4.

Minnesota leads the Midwest in the percentage of the overall population who have completed their vaccination series at 54.4%.