Marshall (KMHL) – Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center is inviting people who meet Minnesota’s newly expanded criteria for COVID-19 vaccination to call the organization’s call center.

People who are already on Avera Marshall’s waiting list do not need to call again. The call center will reach out to individuals on the list who meet current guidelines to schedule appointments.

“With the efforts of all of the organizations administering vaccine in our region, collectively we’ve been able to vaccinate more than 80% of people over age 65 in Lyon County,” said Debbie Streier, Regional President and CEO, Avera Marshall. “Our team has been anticipating and preparing for this expansion to additional groups, so we are happy to be able to move ahead. Vaccinating more people in our communities helps bring us another step closer to a return to normal, which all of us are eager to reach.”

Beginning March 10, the state expanded criteria to add the following to the list of individuals eligible for vaccine:

Phase 1b Tier 2:

  • Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions: Sickle cell disease, Down syndrome, those in cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant, oxygen-dependent chronic lung and heart conditions (COPD & CHF)
  • Targeted essential workers: Food processing plant workers
  • Minnesotans with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk of severe illness

Phase 1b Tier 3:

  • Minnesotans age 45 years and older with one or more underlying medical conditions identified by the CDC
  • Minnesotans age 16 years and older with two or more underlying medical conditions
  • Minnesotans age 50 years and older in multi-generational housing
  • Essential frontline workers: Agricultural, airport staff, additional child care workers not previously eligible, correctional settings, first responders, food production, food retail, food service, judicial system workers, manufacturing, public health workers, public transit, and U.S. Postal Service workers

Individuals from earlier phases are welcome to call as well.

if they would like to schedule an appointment. Individuals can call 507-532-9661.

More information about COVID-19 vaccine is available at Avera.org/covid-vaccine.