The Grand Forks Department of Public Health and the Altru Health System have completed the vaccination of priority groups defined in Phase 1A according to the North Dakota COVID-19 vaccination priority plan. Phase 1A included all health care workers in immediate patient care, first responders, long-term caregivers, and staff.
Grand Forks, the Grand Forks Department of Public Health and Altru Health System will work together to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public of Grand Forks County. The effort now moves on to phase 1B of the North Dakota Department of Health Plan.
Community members who 75 and older can call (701) 780-6358 to be included on a vaccination waiting list.
Phase 1B includes individuals who meet the following criteria according to the North Dakota COVID-19 plan for vaccination of priorities (levels in order of priority):
● Persons aged 75 and over
● Persons aged 65 – 74 years with two or more high-risk medical conditions
● Staff and persons living in congregations, such as corrections, group homes, treatment centers, shelters for the homeless
● Persons aged 65 and over with one or more high-risk medical conditions
● Persons aged 65 and over with or without high risk medical conditions
● Persons with two or more high-risk medical conditions, regardless of age
● Child care workers
● Workers working through kindergartens or kindergartens in the 12th grade, including teachers, nutrition services, assistants, bus drivers, principals, administrative staff, and guardians.
Because of the amount of vaccine allocated to North Dakota, the time it takes to vaccinate the 75-year-old population could take several weeks, said John Forstrom, Grand Forks’ public information officer.
“Those who fit into future levels of Phase 1B and future phases should not call before letting us know that we are moving to the next level, that is people aged 65-74 with two or more high-risk medical conditions, ”Bernstrom said in a press release.