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