by Annie Wooden

Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) and Sanders County Public Health continue to administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents. CFVH has been holding vaccination clinics on Saturdays. As of Tuesday, 665 residents had received both doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and another 1,632 had received their first dose.

On Saturday, March 6, CFVH was scheduled to administer 650 vaccines, the largest clinic yet according to hospital CEO Dr. Gregory Hanson. “We are constantly monitoring state guidelines for changing distribution recommendations as occurred when Montana created a Phase 1B+ category that includes individuals 60 years of age and older, regardless of health, and 16-59 years of age with one of an expanded list of health conditions,” Dr. Hanson said. “We are also monitoring for anticipated Montana changes that may occur given the federal decision to fast tract immunization of teachers and other school staff.”

Dr. Hanson said that initial communication from the federal level was that certain retail pharmacies would be used to meet the school staff demand, but CFVH have not received definitive instruction, nor have local pharmacies been contacted with information that they will be involved in this process. “Our local pharmacies are however ready to vaccinate individuals when they have vaccine available,” Dr. Hanson stating, adding that they would reach out to county school administrators as soon as updated information was available.

CFVH has been administering the Moderna vaccine, which Dr. Hanson stated appears to show 94% effectiveness after two weeks. The Pfizer vaccine required storage at a temperature CFVH could not accommodate, he added.

“We have not yet seen any serious vaccine reactions nor COVID reinfections in our county,” Dr. Hanson said. “Our vaccination clinics remains busy. Over 2,000 COVID-19 interest surveys have been completed with eligibility for phase 1B/1C administration.”

The county health department has administered additional doses. As of last week, the county had completed vaccination for 52 residents and administered 270 doses total, with more than 300 people on their waiting list.

Dr. Hanson reminded residents to use caution once vaccinated. “Even once you receive a vaccine, I still encourage you to use a mask, stay home if you are sick, practice good hand hygiene, and be cautious of large group gatherings.”