Starting April 1, 2021, all Montanans aged 16 years and older can receive a state-allocated COVID-19 vaccine.

A drive up COVID vaccine clinic will be held at the Broadus Fairgrounds on April 10th, from 11 AM-2 PM. The clinic is open to all Montanans age 18 or above, and an appointment is required for the clinic, which may be scheduled by calling 436-2762.

Powder River County Public Health will continue to prioritize those who are at elevated risk for COVID-19 related complications. While the demand for vaccine remains greater than supply, Powder River Health currently has a good supply of vaccine. The vaccine on hand is Moderna, which is licensed for those age 18 and older. If you have a child who is age 16 or 17 and wish to have them vaccinated, please find a facility that provides Pfizer vaccine.

The Moderna vaccine is a mRNA vaccine. This vaccine is approved for those age 18 and older. According to the CDC “COVID-19 mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a piece of a protein to trigger an immune response and build immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19. mRNA does not affect or interact with a person’s DNA, and the cell breaks down and gets rid of the mRNA as soon as it is finished using these instructions. You may have symptoms like a fever, body aches and fatigue after you get a vaccine. This is normal and a sign that your immune system is learning how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19.”

Being vaccinated is recommended even if you have had COVID in the past. The CDC describes the reasoning: “While getting COVID-19 may offer some natural protection or immunity, the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will help protect you without having to be sick.” Recent data shows that those who are fully vaccinated are 90% less likely to get infected.

Those who should not get vaccinated include those who have had an anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or to one of the ingredients in the vaccine. If you are having symptoms similar to COVID-19 or are awaiting results of a COVID-19 test, you should not get vaccinated at this time. If you have had any other vaccines in the last 14 days, you should postpone vaccination.

Things to keep in mind for those attending the drive up clinic: Wear a short sleeve shirt. Wear a mask. Be prepared to wait for 15-30 minutes. Your second dose will be due May 8, make sure you will be available.

If you have other questions, please call Public Health at 436-2297. To add your name to the waiting list call 436-2762.