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Idaho Vaccine Committee Will Soon Decide Order For Younger Residents To Get The Shot

A hand holds a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine between the thumb and index finger. Other vials with red caps can be seen beneath it in a bin.
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Starting Monday, Idahoans between the ages of 55 and 64 who have at least one medical condition are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

One week later, people in this same age group without medical conditions will be eligible. The week after that, high-risk 45 through 54 year olds can get a shot.

 

These two-week increments are estimates, said Dr. Patrice Burgess, the chair of the state’s vaccine advisory committee during a meeting Friday.

 

“Based on how many appointments are open, what the vaccine supply is, that type of thing," she said.

 

Some health districts may speed up that timeline. The next question the vaccine committee has to answer is who comes after the 45 year olds. One option is to continue opening up new age brackets every two weeks until reaching 16 year olds. 

 

“With the age bands alternating with a medical condition, without a medical condition, all the way down," Burgess said.

 

The other option is to let people between the ages of 16 and 44 with high risk medical conditions get appointments two weeks before the general public.

 

None of the COVID-19 vaccines are currently authorized for younger kids. 

 

The committee will take a virtual vote on this question by Monday. 

 

During next Friday's vaccine meeting, members will discuss prioritizing individuals in congregate settings, such as people in correctional facilities.The committee could decide to prioritize that group separately, or along with the general public's age categories. People in Idaho correctional facilities over the age of 65 are already eligible to receive the vaccine.

 

Find reporter Rachel Cohen on Twitter @racheld_cohen  

Copyright 2021 Boise State Public Radio

As the south-central Idaho reporter, I cover the Magic and Wood River valleys. I also enjoy writing about issues related to health and the environment.

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