Idahoans 65 years and older will soon be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as the state moves forward with the vaccine rollout.
Saint Alphonsus and St. Luke's will open vaccine appointments for Group 2.2. on Feb. 1 as well as continued availability for Groups 1 and 2.1. While anyone 65 years and older is eligible, hospital systems are asking priority be given to anyone over 80 years or those with serious health conditions.
"The data clearly show that our 65 and older populations have the highest rate of hospitalization and death, and often times with pre-existing conditions. While age alone puts us at higher risk, other health conditions increase the potential for negative outcomes if a person becomes infected. Allowing community members at an elevated risk to go first will begin to offer some of our most vulnerable residents a chance at protection, just a bit sooner,” said Nikki Zogg, district director for Southwest District Health, in a statement.
Central District Health and Southwest District Health are urging Idahoans to help those they know without internet access.
"If you know someone – a neighbor or loved one who may need help with making an appointment or getting to an appointment, please help make this a priority for them right now and connect them to vaccine through the lists of providers in our regions,” Zogg said.
St. Luke's patients will be able to schedule their vaccine appointment online through myChart. Saint Alphonsus patients can make an appointment online or call 1-888-578-2684, but the hospital system says high call volumes may lead to wait times.
More: People 65 and older can start getting the COVID-19 vaccine Monday
Before getting the vaccine, patients will be asked to show proof of eligibility either through proof of age or employment, according to St. Luke's. Patients are also asked to only make one appointment and keep it to not take the dose and time away from someone else.
In the next phase of vaccinations, the state expects more than 290,000 people to become eligible, according to St. Luke's.
More: Gov. Brad Little signs executive order aimed at speeding up vaccine rollout
Gov. Brad Little urged Idahoans to have patience as eligibility opens further to a larger group.
"I want to be clear – there is still a big gap between supply and demand at this point. The senior population in Idaho includes more than 265,000 people. Idaho is receiving 24,000 first doses per week. Based on our current allocation, it could take nearly two months for eligible people to receive their first dose," Little said in a statement. "So I ask, please be patient."
Where to go for more information
Central District Health (Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley Counties):
- Call Center, open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 208-321-2222
- CDH Vaccine webpage
- Enrolled vaccine provider list
Southwest District Health
- Call Center, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 208-455-5411
- SWDH vaccine webpage
- Enrolled vaccine provider list
