Lincoln County moves into second stage of state vaccination program

Local health officials have moved into the second stage of the state’s vaccination effort.

The Lincoln County Health Department completed its first Phase 1b vaccination clinic on Jan. 21, officials said in a press release. Phase 1b includes Montanans 70 years of age and older, those with high-risk medical conditions, and Native Americans and other persons of color.

Since the rollout of vaccinations earlier this month, health department officials have administered doses to those eligible under Phase 1a. These individuals included health workers on the front lines or working with patients and staff at long-term care or assisted living facilities.

As of Jan. 21, the health department had administered 600 doses in Lincoln County. Second doses for some individuals in Phase 1b began this week. Both the FDA-approved Pfizer-BioTech and Moderna vaccines require two doses. The second shot is given a few weeks after the first.

Health department officials are now working with multiple local clinics to compile a list of individuals considered eligible in Phase 1b. When doses become available, department staff will schedule shots every week to a random sample of those in the Phase 1b list.

“Our vaccine supply is very limited,” said Jennifer McCully, the county’s public health manager, “so please be patient with us as we move through the Phase 1b list.”

Gov. Greg Gianforte announced the statewide commencement of Phase 1b on Jan. 19. He had changed the state’s distribution plan in his second day in office. Under the plan developed by former Gov. Steve Bullock, Phase 1b included essential workers, like first responders.

As of Jan. 19, health officials had fully immunized 9,408 Montanans and administered 57,221 doses across the state, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

To be added to the Phase 1b list, residents can call the Lincoln County COVID-19 information line at 406-293-6295.