Thousands line up on state website as Minnesota rolls out coronavirus vaccine lottery

Minnesota health officials on Tuesday rolled out a new coronavirus vaccine lottery allowing residents 65 and older to preregister for vaccination appointments.

Thousands of Minnesotans who met the age requirements faced long online lines on Tuesday as they attempted to pre-register for vaccine appointments, according to NBC local station KARE 11. The registration will remain open from 5 a.m. Tuesday through Wednesday.

Under the new program, a previous first-come, first-served practice will be replaced in an effort to create a more efficient experience for users and keep the site from flooding with inquiries.

Those looking to register can do so through the state website or over the phone. 

Registrants who are selected to get the vaccine will receive a text or email on Wednesday notifying them of the time slot in which they can receive the vaccine as well as which of the state’s nine vaccination sites they should go to, according to the news outlet.

The state hopes to distribute nearly 15,000 doses between Thursday and Monday, KARE 11 reported.

Minnesota has reported a total of 436,684 coronavirus cases within the state since the start of the pandemic, according to the state Department of Health.