Grocery store workers and other frontline personnel in North Idaho are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a press release from Public Health – Idaho North Central District Thursday and a similar release from Panhandle Health District Wednesday.
Those in subgroup 2.3 of the state’s distribution timeline can schedule appointments effective immediately at enrolled providers in the area. Nearly half of individuals age 65 and over in the district have received their first dose of the vaccine, according to the release.
“We and other enrolled providers have seen a considerable slowdown of appointments being scheduled by the currently eligible groups,” Carol Moehrle, District 2 director, stated. “This indicates to us that we need to move forward to the next group of eligibility.”
Here’s who qualifies in subgroup 2.3:
- Food and agricultural workers (This does not include food service workers)
- Food processing workers, including USDA processing plant inspectors
- Grocery, convenience store and food pantry workers
- Manufacturing workers
- Public transit workers
- U.S. Postal Services workers
- Flight crews
- Subset of essential gas, electric, water and telecommunications utility workers who work indoors
- Idaho National Guard (if not included in previous subgroups)
- Residents of homeless shelters
- Interpreters (ASL or other language)
- Janitorial and cleaning staff who work within any of these sectors or settings
Other essential workers and those age 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions are scheduled to receive the vaccine in late April. The general public can expect to be vaccinated in May.
Those in subgroup 2.3 will be eligible to receive the vaccine statewide on March 15, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. A list of enrolled providers can be found on the department’s website.
In Latah County, vaccine clinics are offered at Gritman Medical Center, CHAS Health, Northwest Pharmacy, Hodgins Drug and Hobby, Marketime Drug of Moscow, DAVITA Moscow Dialysis, Moscow Medical and Walmart.
Gritman announced Thursday its vaccine clinics would immediately open to the newly eligible individuals. Appointments are currently available at Gritman’s clinic Friday in the University of Idaho Student Recreation Center.
Angela Palermo can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @apalermotweets