Minnesota family caregivers turned away for the COVID-19 vaccine despite being eligible

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Those caring for relatives with complex needs are eligible as health workers. 

Laura Rede was turned away from a vaccine appointment Thursday because the clinic wouldn’t accept the paperwork showing that Rede is a health care worker.

“They asked ‘Do you have a badge?’ ” Rede said. “Well you don’t have a badge if you work at home.”

Rede is one of thousands of Minnesotans who care for a relative at home, in this case daughter Shanika who has Down syndrome, autism and other conditions that have been shown to make her vulnerable to COVID-19. Continue reading.