HELENA – Governor Greg Gianforte announced on Tuesday that Montana is entering Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.
COVID-19 vaccines are available to Montana residents 70 years of age or older, 16 to 69 years old with a high-risk medical condition, and American Indians and others of color who may be at high risk for COVID-19 complications. , Phase 1B.
“Focusing on the most vulnerable Montana residents in our vaccine distribution will save lives. Thanks to the hard work of our local health jurisdictions and health professionals, the most vulnerable in Montana now have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, ”said Governor Gianforte.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) notes that Montana’s supply of COVID-19 vaccine continues to depend on federal supply and allocations.
Individuals in Phase 1B are encouraged to contact their local or tribal health departments to check vaccination availability and schedule. Local contact information is here.
DPHHS reports that vaccine distribution to long-term care facilities continues and that all employees and residents of these nearly 300 facilities are expected to receive their first dose by the end of January.
DPHHS continues to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to local and tribal health departments, pharmacies, hospitals and community health centers weekly in Montana.
According to the DPPHS, as of January 19, 2021, a total of 57,221 doses have been administered in Montana since it was first made available in the week of December 14 and 9,408 residents were fully immunized.