IDAHO — The estimated timeline for the COVID-19 vaccine in Idaho has been updated.
Firefighters, police, protective services, community support, education workers and correctional and detention facility staff not already included as healthcare personnel can now make appointments to get their vaccine. Starting in early February, adults 65 and older will be able to get theirs.
In mid-February, Food and agriculture workers, including grocery and convenience store workers, Idaho National Guard, manufacturing, public transit and U.S. Postal Service workers will be eligible for their vaccine.
The new schedule says people age 16 through 64 with medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 can get their vaccine in March and April of 2021. Essential workers not included in previous groups will be eligible, but it is not specific as to who those workers are.
The general public will be able to get their vaccine in May 2021, according to the estimated timeline.
Idaho is about to get a lot more vaccine vials. The state announced it will follow the Trump Administration guidelines and no longer hold back second doses, instead using them to give more first doses.
"We don't know the number right now since the decision was just released today," said Sarah Leeds, immunization manager of IDHW. "We'll be talking with our partners at the CDC and the operation warp speed to learn more and communicate that to providers and local health districts to plan."
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says it should know more about those extra doses next week. The department says it is also expecting more federal funding to help providers get the vaccine out.
They are also working on a new registration tool on the state coronavirus website to help people schedule their first dose, when available.
