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IDAHO FALLS – The launch of the COVID-19 vaccine in Idaho for people aged 65 and over is facing some obstacles on Saturday.
Many people who visited the Eastern Idaho Public Health District website shortly after 9 am, which was the designated time to schedule an appointment, found that all available times were already filled.
Mimi Taylor, a spokesman for the health district, told EastIdahoNews.com that the huge demand for the vaccine caused appointment times to fill up quickly.
“The appointments were very quick, as there are 30,000 eligible people in the group aged 65 and over in our district of 8 counties and approximately 2,100 doses of vaccine / week to administer,” Taylor wrote by email.
Taylor says they will have clinics throughout the month of February and new schedules will be available in the coming weeks.
“As of Thursday, February 11 at 9:00 am, we plan to start rescheduling next week’s appointments. However, some appointments can be opened before that, when cancellations occur, so check back every now and then. Please check our website and Facebook page continuously for the most up-to-date information, ”writes Taylor.
Elderly people, who represent the demographic group most vulnerable to the new coronavirus, are able to obtain the vaccine for the first time after health professionals, first responders, teachers and elementary and high school staff, day care centers and some other groups began receiving vaccines during the initial launch earlier this month.
RELATED | People over 65 will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday – here’s what you need to know
At the rate Idaho is receiving vaccines, it is expected to take 13 weeks to vaccinate the new priority group, according to a press release from Southeast Idaho Public Health.
The COVID-19 vaccine is administered in two separate doses, which are separated by 3 to 4 weeks. SIPH added in its press release that those receiving the vaccine may experience mild side effects, including low fever, arm pain and fatigue, but this is an indication that the vaccine is working. No direct costs will be charged, but insurance companies may be charged for administrative costs.
Walk-ins will not be accepted, as bookings are necessary due to COVID’s safety precautions. EIPH asks those who attend your appointments to bring identification documents, age or employment status. Wear a shirt that allows your arm to be accessible for the vaccine and wear a mask to protect yourself and the clinic staff.
SIPH estimates that this summer there will be enough vaccines for everyone who is recommended to receive them. The health district is asking those who do not yet qualify for the vaccine not to try to receive the dose before the scheduled time. If you are not currently eligible for a vaccine, but would like to be notified when you are, apply here.
Call EIPH or visit the website to determine what scheduling options are available in your county. This will be done through public health services, pharmacies and private health providers. Residents of Bonneville, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison and Teton counties can call (208) 533-3235. Custer County residents should call (208) 879-2504.
The SIPH has a call center open from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm, at (208) 234-5875. Visit his website here.