Missoula County is holding off on moving to the phase 1B+ COVID-19 vaccination group recently announced by Gov. Greg Gianforte. The county Friday said too many residents in the previous phase are waiting for their first shot.
Under phase 1B+, Gianforte announced that the state is expanding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines to those 60 years old and older, or those 16 to 59 years old with select underlying health conditions. The new 1B+ phase goes into effect across the state Monday.
Gianforte said the majority of counties and other jurisdictions administering vaccines are halfway through their populations eligible for phase 1B, which included those 70 years or older, and younger people with select underlying health conditions.
Missoula County health officials announced that the county will hold off for at least another week before moving to the new vaccine phase. County officials say 85 percent of people eligible in the county for phase 1B are still waiting for their first dose.
Other more populated counties like Yellowstone and Flathead have said they are moving into phase 1B+ next week.
