Effective immediately, Public Health and enrolled providers vaccinating anyone aged 16, older

LEWISTON -Individuals who are 16 years of age and older are now eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccine through enrolled providers within Clearwater, Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, and Idaho counties.

All previous phases are still eligible and encouraged to schedule an appointment if they have not already. This decision comes after Governor Brad Little made the announcement that in Idaho, those 16 years or older with an underlying health condition will be eligible to receive the vaccine beginning March 29.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare agreed that different health districts within Idaho may choose to move through the phases at different rates.

"Public Health -Idaho North Central District and our community partners have both supply and appointments available but continue to see a decline in demand." said Carol Moehrle, District Director. "After assessing the situation with our enrolled vaccine providers, we have made the decision as a group to move forward to include everyone aged 16 and older."

Making an appointment online or by phone:

• Visit www.idahoprepmod.com, and choose a clinic location nearby and make an appointment today. For an appointment at the Public Health Office located at 215 10thSt. Lewiston, people may also call 208-799-3100.
• For a list of enrolled COVID-19 vaccine providers in the district and their contact information please visit: COVID-19 Vaccines (idahopublichealth.com)
• People can also pre-register for an appointment on the new State website: covidvaccine.idaho.gov

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is for persons 16 years or older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are for persons 18 years or older. PH-INCD is currently administering the Pfizer vaccine.

Little announced his decision Wednesday to open up COVID-19 vaccine appointments to all Idahoans over age 16 starting April 5. Public Health-Idaho North Central District announced their change in priority groups shortly after.

Starting April 5, there will be no prioritization of any group of people. All Idahoans over the age of 16, regardless of their age, medical condition, or occupation, will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Idaho still ranks above the national average for getting vaccines administered, with an 82-percent vaccine administration rate. More than 63-percent of Idaho's 65-and-older population has been vaccinated and almost 30-percent of individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 have been vaccinated.

"Folks, with each passing week as more and more Idahoans choose to get vaccinated, we get closer to returning to normal. The COVID vaccine really is our best shot at protecting jobs and saving lives. Please choose to receive the safe and effective vaccine," Little said.