HELENA – Government Greg Gianforte announced Tuesday that Montana is entering Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.
COVID-19 vaccines are available for Montanane 70 years and older, 16 to 69 years old with high risk medical condition, and American Indians and other coloreds who are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications, under Phase 1B.
‘If we focus on the most vulnerable Montanane in our vaccine distribution, it will save lives. “Thanks to the hard work of our local health law areas and health workers, Montana’s most vulnerable now have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines,” said Gianforte.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) notes that Montana’s COVID-19 vaccine supply is still dependent on federal offerings and grants.
Phases in Phase 1B are encouraged to contact their local or tribal health departments to see if the vaccination is available and what they are planning. Local contact information is here.
DPHHS reports that the distribution of vaccines to long-term care facilities continues and that all staff and residents at these nearly 300 facilities are expected to receive their first dose by the end of January.
DPHHS continues to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine weekly in local provinces and tribal health departments, pharmacies, hospitals, and community health centers in Montana.
According to DPPHS, on January 19, 2021, a total of 57,221 doses were administered in Montana since it was first available in the week of December 14 and 9,408 residents were fully immunized.