HELENA — Lewis and Clark Public Health (LCPH) opened pre-registration at 9:00 a.m. on Friday for their first Phase 1b vaccination clinic on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Both days were completely full in a matter of minutes.
“We believe that tells us the process was relatively efficient and user friendly,” said Eric Merchant, LCPH disease control and prevention division administrator.
Merchant says the big issue they have right now is the individuals wanting to get vaccinated far outnumbers the supply they have available from the state. An estimated 20,000 individuals in the county qualify for phase 1b and roughly 900 shots were available for the two days.
“We understand that with a large demand and a limited vaccine supply there is going to be frustration around that,” said Merchant. “The only equitable way is to use a resource that everyone has access to.”
Merchant also wants to stress there will be many more clinics and vaccination opportunities for Phase 1b individuals in the coming weeks.
“We are ready and able to give many more doses than we have access to at this time,” said Merchant. “Really we’re being held back by supply at this point.”
Next week LCPH will also be providing mobile vaccination for a few communities that have individuals over the age of 70 and have trouble securing transportation to the fairgrounds. People that may have trouble with technology can also contact Rocky Mountain Development Council Agency on Aging for assistance in getting signed up for later clinics.
Individuals that were able to get a spot will need to show confirmation on their reservation, either with a print out or on their phone, at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds on the day they’re scheduled for.
Those individuals will receive more information from the county about when their second dose of the vaccine will be. Those who have received a first shot are guaranteed a second shot.
Individuals that were able to get a spot for next week’s clinic will need to show confirmation on their reservation, either with a print out or on their phone, at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds on the day they’re scheduled for.
More information about vaccination efforts in Lewis and Clark County can be found here.
