Idaho Department of Health and Welfare gives new vaccine guidelines

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — As Idaho nears the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 being detected in the state, the Department of Health and Welfare advised Tuesday on upcoming vaccine eligibility.

Idaho’s first doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have increased weekly, but this has led to some providers struggling to fill all of their open appointments.

As a result, new groups are becoming eligible on an age-based scale. This is set to begin no later than March 15, with those between the ages of 55 and 64 who have at least one medical condition.

Ahead of what is the upcoming anniversary of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Idaho, Gov. Brad Little reflected on those we’ve lost whilst looking forward to brighter days.

“Tragically, we’ve lost over 1,900 of our fellow Idahoans,” Little said. “We mourn the loss of life and pray for strength and peace for their loved ones. Now, because of our collective good works, we have the strongest economy in the nation.”

Officials reminded of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for fully vaccinated people, stating those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask while gathering indoors with others who are fully vaccinated or members of one other household who are not high-risk. They do caution against international travel, as doing so could lead to new variants from abroad being introduced to the U.S.

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