Bonner, Boundary counties offer vaccinations for residents 16 and up

The Panhandle Health District authorized Bonner and Boundary counties to begin COVID-19 vaccinations for all Idaho residents 16 years and up as of Wednesday.

According to the PHD website, Pfizer is the only available vaccine that is recommended for 16 and 17-year-olds. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are recommended for those 18 and up.

Vaccinations are by appointment only and can be scheduled online at panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19/vaccine/ or one of the local health clinics’ websites.

Kaniksu Health Services is also currently offering the Moderna vaccine to all Idaho residents and those who work in Idaho who are 18 years and older.

Vaccinations must be scheduled ahead of time on the Kaniku’s website, kaniksuhealthservices.org.

People who have had any vaccination within the past 14 days, have already had a COVID-19 vaccination, have a COVID-19 vaccination scheduled elsewhere, are currently sick with COVID-19 or have had a high-risk exposure to COVID-19 are asked to not schedule an appointment.

Kevin Knepper, CEO at Kaniksu Health Services, said the lowered age restriction is a reflection of a drop in demand.

“We’ve always had more demand than we’ve had supply,” he said. “Now, vaccine acceptance might be an issue.”

As that demand has dwindled, he said that depending on demand KHS may reduce the number of vaccines it orders to avoid wasting vaccines that can go somewhere else. Currently, KHS has vaccinated roughly 20% of its eligible patients.

The vaccination is helpful even to those who may not personally be high risk, Knepper said.

“The biggest reason would be that you have people in your life that are in a high-risk category,” he said. “If you have older parents or grandparents … the last thing you want to do is have the virus and spread it to them.”

That’s especially relevant given that some research has suggested around 50% of COVID-19 transmissions are from asymptomatic carriers.

As of Wednesday, there were around 2,000 first vaccinations, Knepper said. KHS is receiving between approximately 300-400 doses a week.

That doubles when it comes to the second dose, Knepper said, as those who receive a first dose are guaranteed a second.

To get vaccinated, those scheduled for vaccinations are required to either live or work in Idaho, according to state rules.

Patients are asked to bring proof of age and employment if applicable, insurance information and proof that they live or work in Idaho. Masks are required at all PHD vaccine clinics.

Patients are asked to not schedule more than once, and not schedule if they cannot make an appointment. Those who need to cancel appointments are asked to do so within 24 hours by calling 877-415-5225.

Those without internet access can call PHD’s hotline at 877-415-5225. Additional appointments will be made available each Wednesday at 9 a.m. Patients are asked to bring any assistance devices they need to their appointment.

Appointments are also available at Bonner General Health for patients 18 and upon their website, bonnergeneral.org/covid19-coronavirus.