More eligible for COVID-19 vaccine March 15th in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Starting on March 15., more people in Idaho will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said starting March 15, the vaccine will be available to Group 2.3, which includes food and agriculture workers, the Idaho National Guard, utility workers, as well as public transit workers. They can make an appointment using the pre-registration tool.

The announcement came Tuesday as the department said about 47% of those aged 65 and up have been vaccinated.

“Since the situation varies from each public health district ... a public health district can decide to move closer Group 2.3 if their situation warrants it,” said the department’s Director Dave Jeppesen.

The department is targeting the move to Group 3, the last group before the general public is free to get the vaccine, to happen in early April. This groups includes at high-risk individuals aged 16-64.

Idaho is also expecting their first Johnson and Johnson vaccine shipment this week.

“There’s a lot of excitement now that we have one-dose vaccine and the handling requirements are much easier because it can be stored in refrigerator-type temperatures up to three months,” said Dr. Christine Hahn of the department.

The Gem state is expecting about 13,300 doses by Thursday.

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