Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccine distribution
Here is a quick guide to understanding how the vaccine will be given and to who. There are limited amounts available and the manufacturers are working very hard to get the vaccine out to everyone. Indian Health Services across the country have received limited amounts. The CDC has set guidelines on who will receive the COVID-19 Vaccine first. They have set a phased system that is being followed by local health officials, including the Blackfeet Reservation.
Phase 1a is for all healthcare workers and residents in nursing homes/long term care facilities including workers. They have started receiving the vaccine.
Phase 1b is for essential workers, police, fire fighters, food workers, postal workers, teachers, and day care workers. Also, people 75 and older will be part of this phase.
Phase 1c is for people ages 65-74 and also for people with health conditions ages 16-64. It is also for essential workers such as transportation, communications, media, public health and safety.
As the vaccine becomes available, the CDC will continue to expand to more groups and phases. Everyone will be vaccinated. The goal set by the CDC is early summer.
Even with the vaccine, everyone needs to continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC and the Blackfeet Tribe:
