COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

Jefferson County Health Department is grateful for the interest our residents have shown in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently vaccine supply is very limited. Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services receives a weekly allocation which is then distributed to the local jurisdictions.

MT DPHHS developed a population-based formula for each county in order to distribute vaccine equitably. According to the state’s data, Jefferson County has 12,221 residents. Of those residents, 4,162 qualify as Phase 1B recipients, including 1,627 residents age 70 or older.

Jefferson County is currently vaccinating Phase 1B.

• Persons aged 70 years and older

• American Indians and other people of color who may be at an elevated-risk for COVID-19 complications

• Persons aged 16-69 years with high-risk for COVID-19 complications

- Cancer

- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

- Down syndrome

- Serious heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies

- Immunocompromised state due to solid organ transplant

- Severe Obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m2).

- Sickle cell disease

- Type 1 and 2 diabetes

We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure our vaccination rollout is safe and equitable. Unfortunately, it is not possible to estimate the wait time for receiving the vaccine; however, we have developed a tiered system to prioritize our ever-growing wait list.

Tier 1 (now): Persons aged 80 and older (Phase 1A as needed)

Tier 2: Persons aged 70+

Tier 3: Persons aged 60+ with high-risk medical condition

Tier 4: Persons aged 50+ with high-risk medical condition

Tier 5: Persons aged 30+ with high-risk medical condition

Tier 6: Persons aged 18+ with high-risk medical condition (Moderna is licensed for ages 18 and older)

We expect to start vaccinating Tier 2 within the next two weeks.

*Information is subject to change based on State recommendations or vaccine supply.

To be placed on the waiting list, please call 406-225-4004. If you are already on the list, please refrain from calling to check on your status. We will call and schedule your appointment when a vaccine is available for you. Please note our phones are identified as an “unknown” number. We look forward to seeing you just as soon as we can!