Immunization Crisis—Federal Cuts END State's Vaccine Program!
United States: A withdrawal of COVID-19 vaccination funding from the Trump administration triggered the Minneapolis Health Department to announce this decision on Wednesday.
According to the Minneapolis Health Department, vaccination clinics, together with immunization education, will permanently stop.
Immunization funding cut
The funding supported citywide vaccination operations through educational programs and cost-free adult and pediatric clinics with record updates for students at Minneapolis Public Schools.
The city immediately stopped working with MHealth Fairview Odam Medical Clinic and neighborhood HealthSource through the established contacts.
Submitted: Part of Minnesota’s federal cuts include $27.5 million from DHS grants.
— Liz Collin (@lizcollin) March 27, 2025
Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi says “federal COVID dollars were abruptly terminated” and that other states are “facing the same whiplash…” pic.twitter.com/S1NpDTcAFy
The city official claims funding shortages require the support of three Health Department employees who work from alternative budget sources until better options are identified.
What are the officials stating?
According to Minneapolis Health Commissioner Damón Chaplin, “The impact on our community is substantial. We are canceling five free vaccine clinics scheduled for April, and the future of our vaccine services in underserved communities is uncertain. Decisions at the federal level threaten public health now and in the future,” fox9.com reported.
Furthermore, “Decisions at the federal level are impacting lives and hurting employees dedicated to making Minneapolis a healthy place to live. Their work on our vaccine program has saved lives and prevented illnesses throughout the city. Eliminating federal support for these positions hurts our community and puts more burden on Minneapolis to deliver our mission to improve the health and well-being of every community member,” the commissioner noted.
The Minneapolis Health Department worked jointly with community organizations to run 87 vaccine clinics at underserved locations that delivered approximately 800 COVID-19 vaccines, with 700 flu shots and 500 MPOX vaccines.
The health department organized 21 vaccine clinics, which led to 1,475 vaccinations that benefited 501 patients who received 12 available vaccines for youth, fox9.com reported.
The Minneapolis Health Department reports that out of all 6-year-old children in the city, only 70% received all their recommended vaccinations in September 2024.
