Concerns were raised Friday that people with some chronic conditions and disabilities were not included in Minnesota's new COVID-19 vaccine plan that is set to begin in April.
These include people with intellectual and physical disabilities, schizophrenia and type 1 diabetes, conditions that put them at high risk for COVID-19 complications.
With an estimated 2.6 million people becoming eligible because they have one or more of the 10 identified medical conditions or are employed in one of more than 20 essential industries, some who have been left out may get the vaccine as members of other groups.
But some who don't have even the most common conditions, obesity and type 2 diabetes, won't qualify, and others who don't have jobs, partly because of their medical conditions or disability, will also be passed over.
"When you start to look at the list and you see that people were being left out, it's very maddening and disheartening," said Pam Wallace Herbstritt. "I am sure if you fall on that list you are excited. There's so many people out there who are not."
Wallace Herbstritt is one of three parents of children with disabilities who launched the Facebook group Vaccinate the Vulnerable Minnesota to advocate for changes in the state's vaccine policy. They will be holding a car rally at the State Capitol in St. Paul on Saturday afternoon to protest the rollout plan announced Thursday.
People with Down syndrome, a type of intellectual disability, did make the list.
"I was thrilled but surprised that the disability community in general was left behind," said Sarah Curfman, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota.