PHD: 78,000 doses have been allocated

COEUR d'ALENE — The Panhandle Health District reported 58 new coronavirus cases over the weekend and Monday. There were no deaths attributed to the virus.

The number of Kootenai County residents considered fully vaccinated is 17,297. Another 16,143 have received one dose of a two-dose series.

Next week will mark the 14th week of vaccines arriving in Idaho with an anticipated total of 6,400 Moderna and Pfizer doses that will go to enrolled vaccine providers in PHD’s jurisdiction. To-date, 78,000 total vaccine doses have been allocated to PHD’s jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, residents 55 years and older with a qualifying medical condition are now eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments released by PHD this Wednesday will be available to individuals 55 years and older regardless of medical conditions.

The move to further expand vaccine eligibility comes after an announcement by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, which outlined plans and associated timelines for Group 3.

Group 3 focuses on specific age groups, giving a one-week-long priority to persons in a specified age group with a qualifying medical condition.

The following week opens vaccine to individuals in the specified age group, with no qualifying medical condition required.

Per Idaho Group 3:

Age 55-64 with at least one medical condition: Appointments available now for scheduling

Age 55-64 general population: Appointments for the week of March 22 will be released this Wednesday for this group to schedule

Age 45-54 with at least one medical condition: Open by Monday, March 29.

Age 45-54 general population: Open by April 5

If you need help by phone with navigating the online appointment scheduling or do not have internet access, call 877-415-5225 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.