TWIN FALLS, Idaho — Last week, St. Luke's announced it would begin administering the next round of vaccines to the next high-priority group. That includes other physicians, emergency responders, health clinic and long-term care facility staff and other specific essential workers, like dentists.
As St. Luke's focuses on distributing vaccines, the South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) is also doing its part.
"Our vaccine coordinators have actually been working with St. Luke's directly to help them get contacts for some of the facilities in the various counties within our region so that they can start reaching out," says Brianna Bodily, SCPHD's Public Information Officer.
The district is also reaching out to clinics and offices in more rural and secluded areas to distribute the vaccine at a more efficient rate.
"We are reaching out directly to providers. As soon as we have a spot open up, as soon as we receive more vaccine and we have the bodies to actually help provide that vaccine or administer that vaccine, that's when we reach out and put together a clinic," says Bodily.
Bodily says it's important to note that depending on the number of healthcare providers in one given area, the distribution and administering of vaccines could be affected.
"What we're seeing, even just across our district, is some counties are moving faster with the vaccine than others depending on how many of those administrators or providers are available to work with us."
SCPHD is putting in a tremendous effort to get the vaccine out quickly while balancing other responsibilities both related and unrelated to COVID. They ask for everyone to be as patient as possible.
"I really want to stress that our priority is protecting your health safety, and we strongly believe and know this vaccine will do that so we're doing everything we can to get this vaccine to you as quickly as possible. Just exercise a little bit of patience with us as we get this vaccine to you," says Bodily.
