State Releases Phased COVID Vaccination Plan
Native Americans Added In Phase 1B
The Montana Health Alert Network released information last week including a phased plan for implementing COVID-19 vaccinations in the state.
The plan includes an explanation of who can get the vaccine in three phases, which are 1A, 1B and 1C. A tentative schedule was announced for the vaccinations, but that might change based on availability of the vaccine.
Phase 1A is scheduled to run through Jan. 15. Medical providers who have direct contact with patients, medical and support staff along with long-term care facility staff and residents are included in this phase.
Additional health care workers like dentists, orthodontists, physical therapists, optometrists, home health workers and others have been added to Phase 1a of the state’s vaccination plan.
“As we continue to focus on vaccinating those most vulnerable to this virus, it is incumbent on all of us to keep our friends, neighbors and loved ones safe as we inch toward the widespread distribution of the vaccine,” Gov. Steve Bullock said in the announcement.
Phase 1B will run from Jan. 15 to March 15 and involves about 90,000 state residents. The phase includes individuals 75 years and older, Native Americans and others of color who might be at higher risk, people living in congregate care and correctional facilities, front-line essential workers, first responders, postal workers, food workers, public transit employees, grocery store employees, critical infrastructure and information technology staff and agriculture workers.
“Since a state of emergency was declared in Montana in March, tribal governments and Native leaders have responded consistently and effectively to keep their communities safe,” said public health advisor Dr. Cora Neumann. “Unfortunately, due to pre-existing health and socio-economic disparities among Native communities — and in some cases due to resistance to mask mandates and gathering limits in surrounding communities — Montana’s tribal communities have experienced devastating loss. I am grateful that our state has responded to our call to prioritize American Indians in Phase 1B.”
Phase 1C will be conducted March 15-July 15 and involve 71,000 residents. This phase includes people 65 and older, people aged 16-64 with highrisk medical conditions along with employees in transportation, food service, shelter, housing, construction, legal, public safety, finance, energy, essential government services and media fields.
Phase 2 features all remaining Montanans 16 years and older.
Hospitals, community health centers, Indian Health Services, local health departments and pharmacies will administer all the phases.
