Southwest Montana News

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced on February 2, 2021, that Montana will receive 16,425 first doses and 13,525 second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. These doses are set to be distributed to local jurisdictions during the week of February 8. DPHHS is informed weekly about vaccine allocations but has been assured that the numbers will not fall below current levels.

Governor Greg Gianforte revealed a reallocation plan for 19,500 unused Pfizer doses initially allocated to CVS and Walgreens under a federal contract for long-term care facilities. These doses will now be sent to hospitals with ultracold storage facilities in collaboration with local public health agencies. This shift allows more Moderna vaccines to be directed towards rural areas.

“The good news is that vaccines are being administered on a weekly basis to Montanans most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19,” stated DPHHS Director Adam Meier. He acknowledged that while federal shipments remain low, Montana excels in administering available vaccines efficiently.

DPHHS considers factors such as estimated eligible populations and previous allocations when distributing vaccines across counties. The agency informs local jurisdictions every Friday about their specific allocations so they can plan for the following week.

Starting next week, a new federal partnership with national pharmacy chains will begin under the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination. This program aims to increase vaccine access through select retail pharmacies nationwide starting February 11. Details on which Montana pharmacies will participate have yet to be disclosed.

Governor Gianforte continues urging President Biden and federal partners to boost vaccine production and distribution efforts in Montana.

Currently, Montana is in Phase 1B of its vaccination plan, targeting individuals aged 70 and older, those aged 16-69 with high-risk conditions, Native Americans, and other persons of color at elevated risk for complications from COVID-19.

As of February 3, over 116,000 Montanans have received their first dose of the vaccine while more than 30,000 are fully immunized. Vaccine data is updated daily on a new dashboard launched by DPHHS which includes information on total doses administered statewide.

A new COVID-19 vaccine website by DPHHS provides local resources including maps linking to jurisdictional updates about vaccine availability and scheduling information online or via phone numbers provided on the map.

Health officials stress continued vigilance against COVID-19 spread through mask-wearing, social distancing practices like maintaining six feet apart from others when possible; staying home if sick; covering coughs; frequent handwashing; avoiding large gatherings during this ongoing vaccination effort.

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