Local vaccination effort heads into Phase 1b

Local health officials could move into Phase 1b of the state’s vaccination distribution plan as soon as next week.

Updating county commissioners Jan. 13, Public Health Manager Jennifer McCully said that group includes residents over the age of 70, those with high-risk medical conditions and minority groups like American Indians. About a third of the population in Lincoln County is age 65 or older, McCully said.

“This could take a while,” she said, in a nod to the many phone calls inquiring about vaccinations the health department had received in recent weeks.

High-risk individuals include those with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, Down syndrome, heart conditions, weakened immune systems, severe obesity, sickle cell disease and diabetes, according to the state Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Medical providers can include patients in this phase on a case-by-case basis if they suffer from other conditions that put them at risk for complications from COVID-19.

In terms of getting the vaccine to residents in Phase 1b, McCully told commissioners that officials were looking into setting up a clinic. The Libby Memorial Events Center is one location under consideration, she said.

But multiple factors remain in play, McCully said. The vaccination process takes 20 to 30 minutes in all, she said. While the shot is quick, officials must monitor those receiving the vaccine for any adverse reactions, she said.

Health professionals also want to avoid a situation where people are congregating in large numbers, she said.

And it depends on the amount of vaccine the county receives, McCully told commissioners. Both approved vaccines must be kept frozen. The Pfizer-manufactured vaccine needs ultra-cold temperatures — minus 70 degrees Celsius. The Moderna version, by contrast, must be kept at minus 20 degrees, but remains stable at room temperature for up to 12 hours.

McCully reiterated that officials had drawn up a list of eligible vaccine recipients. Medical facilities in town also were reaching out to patients who fall into the Phase 1b category. She encouraged eligible and interested residents to contact the department directly and to leave a message if no one picks up the line.

Department staff members have been inundated with phone calls, she said.

“If you’re over 70 give us a call,” McCully said. “[We’re] not going to leave anybody out, but it’s a slow process.”

Phase 1b included frontline essential workers under former Gov. Steve Bullock’s vaccination distribution plan. Gov. Greg Gianforte shook up the process last week, saying that the focus ought to be on minimizing hospitalizations and deaths.

That group, which included first responders, teachers and grocery store employees, was moved to Phase 1c.

Gianforte’s plan also omits more detailed descriptions of what professions or positions are considered frontline essential workers.

Those residents not covered in the aforementioned stages will be eligible for vaccination in Phase 2.