Vaccine Information for Parents/Caregivers of Individuals with Health Conditions and Disabilities
Posted on 03/26/2021
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Family Voices of Minnesota has received questions from families who are providing care for their children, youth and young adults with complex health care needs or disabilities about their eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. YOU DO QUALIFY FOR THE VACCINE!
The information below applies to:
- Parents, caregivers and family members who are paid as their child’s Personal Care Attendant (PCA) from Medical Assistance through a Waiver or Consumer Support Grant AND
- Parents, caregivers, family members who are NOT paid (UNPAID), but still providing care for their family member with complex needs
The Minnesota Department of Health, in a revised Guide to Phase 1a Vaccine Allocation, has offered clarification on who is considered health care personnel and are therefore eligible to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine. This new clarification states: “Health care workers are those both who are paid and those who are unpaid. This includes personal care assistants (PCAs) and direct support professionals (DSPs), including those working on waivers and those working in home and community-based services. Eligible unpaid caregivers include primary caregivers who work in similar capacities as PCAs, DSPs and nurses for persons with complex medical needs and tactile interpreters for people who are deafblind.”
It is possible that staff providing the vaccine may not be aware of this recent clarification and so we recommend that families:
- Print out and bring this written documentation with you to a vaccine appointment, and highlight the information on Page 5 – Phase 1A: third priority.
- If possible, bring documentation from your child/family member’s doctor stating that you are providing an array of personal supports in close proximity with your family member who has complex needs.
Here is a sample letter created by MDH.
Also, please note that on 3/9/2021 Governor Walz announced that Phase 1b, Tiers 2 and 3 are now eligible to be vaccinated. The current information about who is covered in these phases can be accessed here.
HOW TO GET AN APPOINTMENT FOR A VACCINATION
If you have not yet been vaccinated, sign up for the Vaccine Connector using this link:
https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/.
**Note that MDH is in the process of making changes to the
connector that will help caregivers identify themselves. Until then families should fill out the connector as
indicated below.
*If you have questions about the Vaccine Connector or need assistance filling it out, call the Minnesota COVID-19
Vaccine Connector Hotline at 1-833-431-2053.
DOWNLOAD THIS DOCUMENT TO LEARN HOW TO FILL OUT THE VACCINE CONNECTOR FORM AS A PARENT OR CAREGIVER
Complete the all other parts of the form according to your unique situation. You will receive confirmation via
email that your Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector sign-up is complete.
Now that you are in the “line” for a vaccine you will receive email updates. When a vaccine is available you
will receive an email prompting you to choose an appointment time. Because you are in the current priority
phase this should happen sooner than later but wait times vary.
THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO SCHEDULE VACCINE APPOINTMENTS
You don’t have to stop there. There are multiple places offering the COVID-19 Vaccine. You can look for
locations offering the vaccine even after filling out the Vaccine Connector until you are successful. Although
supplies of the vaccine are limited, families are accessing the vaccine from:
- Health systems such as M Health Fairview, Allina, and HealthPartners
- Pharmacies such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, Cub Pharmacy, and Thrifty White
- City or county Public Health departments
To search for available vaccines, click on this Minnesota Department of Health website: scoll down to see the interactive map. Many people find it helpful to visit that page often to look for an available
appointment.
RECCOMENDED DOCUMENTS TO TAKE TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
Even before you are scheduled for an appointment you will want to gather documentation. These are the
items we recommend you take to your vaccination appointment.
- Your valid state ID or passport
- Your insurance card (if you have insurance) *your insurance will not be billed, the
vaccine is free
- If you receive pay for your caregiving role: Proof of Employment *this could
be a letter from the FMS stating that you are a paid caregiver or a recent
paystub
- If you do not receive pay for your caregiving role: A letter from your family member’s physician which
states that:
- You (your name as shown on your id) are a home health caregiver providing care
for an individual who is considered at risk for serious complications from COVID-19
and
- That the necessary care provided requires close contact with the individual/child
due to the nature of the job.
- You can use this sample letter created by MDH.
*You may not be required to present any of this documentation, but it is advisable to have it in case you are
asked.