Montana on Wednesday released an updated COVID-19 vaccine plan that incorporates new federal guidance on how shots will be distributed to critical groups into next summer.
“What came out today was a more defined, phased approach to vaccination coordination," says Bekki Wehner, the state health department’s Communicable Disease Control Bureau Chief.
Montana is currently in Phase 1A, targeting frontline healthcare workers and staff and residents of long-term care facilities.
The updated plan includes in that group other health care workers with direct patient contact, like dentists.
Nearly 17,000 health care workers in the state have received their first vaccine shot so far, according to Gov. Steve Bullock’s office.
Phase 1B, expected to begin mid-January, targets Montanans aged 75 or older, people in congregate care and correctional facilities and those considered essential frontline workers.
That includes first responders, teachers, grocery store employees and others.
The general public age 16 and up with no underlying health conditions is not expected to receive the vaccine until mid-July.