Blaine county to receive COVID-19 vaccine this week

The Blaine County Health Department announced that it will be receiving its initial allocation of COVID-19 vaccine this week, although it warns people to still take precautions to reduce the spread of the disease until everyone is vaccinated.

A press release sent to the Havre Daily News said this round of vaccine is intended to immunize people in Phase 1A of the state’s immunization plan including front-line health care workers, and long-term care facility staff and residents.

“We are currently working with Phase 1 partners to coordinate vaccine administration to these individuals,” the release said.

Hill County Public Health Director and Health Officer Kim Larson said in an email this morning that she has not been given a date for when Hill County will receive its first round of the vaccine.

The Blaine County Health Department release said the limited allocation of the vaccine doesn’t allow immunizing the general public, but it is still a good time for people to begin having conversations with their primary care providers about being vaccinated.

It requests that everyone watch the department’s Facebook page and local news sources for details about expansion of vaccine opportunities to other priority groups.

While the vaccine is coming, the release says, people should still pay attention to local public health and do what they can to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We remind people that, even though vaccine is beginning to be distributed, that it is important to continue to follow public health recommendations,” it says, “Keep your circle of contacts small, wear a mask when around non-household contacts, and wash your hands frequently.”

The release said people who want more information on the vaccine can go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html .