Mayo Clinic Health System has started vaccinating southeast Minnesota region staff with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine this week.  The distribution plan prioritizes eligibility based on risk level and aligns  with public health guidance.  KAUS News spoke with Dr. Sumit Bhagra, Medical Director for Mayo Clinic Health System campuses in Austin and Albert Lea who lauded how quickly a vaccine for the virus was developed…

Dr. Bhagra went on to talk about how the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 will be utilized, and he also estimated as to how many Mayo employees who are eligible will be vaccinated before the end of the year…

Dr. Bhagra went on to talk to KAUS News about who will be receiving the vaccine first…

Dr. Bhagra stated that although there’s light at the end of the tunnel, everyone must continue to follow COVID-19 protocols, including wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands…

Officials with Mayo stated in a news release that the vaccine has proven to be safe and effective in clinical trials.  Health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that the vaccine is one step in controlling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.