MISSOULA — Another public COVID-19 vaccination is being planned for this weekend in Missoula
The Missoula County COVID-19 Vaccine Coordination Team, in partnership with the University of Montana, will host the clinic on Sunday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Adams Center.
Approximately 800 first-dose vaccine appointments will be available, and Missoula County residents who meet the Phase 1B, Tier 1 criteria can make an appointment starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday.
The link to make an appointment will be available on the Vaccine Information page here.
Residents without Internet access or who are not proficient online can call 406-258-INFO to schedule an appointment over the phone starting at 1 p.m.
Organizers request that people who have the ability to schedule online make an appointment on the website instead of calling so the call center can help those most in need of assistance.
The COVID-19 vaccine supply remains limited, so organizers expect appointments to fill up quickly, both online and by phone.
Residents should be aware that several thousand people are attempting to sign up by phone and online at the same time. Those who are unable to book an appointment this week are being urged to try again when upcoming clinics are announced.
Sunday’s clinic is free, regardless of whether people have health insurance. However, people who do have health insurance should bring a copy of their insurance card as insurance will be billed an administrative fee to help cover costs associated with the clinic.
Clinic organizers note the fee will not result in an out-of-pocket cost to insured people.
Residents who make appointments can ensure the process goes smoothly by taking the following steps:
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment to give yourself enough time to park and walk to the Adams Center
- Park in Lot P or Gym Lot (these lots are reserved for the vaccination clinic, and you will not have to pay for parking)
- Enter the Adams Center five minutes before your appointment
- If possible, bring a copy of your insurance card (staff will be able to make a copy for you if you do not have a copier)
- Print and bring your completed paperwork titled “Screening Questionnaire for COVID-19 Vaccine”
- Wear loose clothing. Short sleeves are helpful but not required
- Be prepared to wait the required 15 minutes after vaccination to be monitored for adverse reactions. Should an adverse reaction occur, medical staff will be present to assist.
Several area healthcare providers also continue to administer vaccine as supply allows, and people can find information on their providers here or by calling (406) 258-INFO.
Residents can help providers by refraining from calling them directly and using the website instead.
Missoula County has more than two dozen vaccine providers registered to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.
However, clinic organizers note that the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be the limiting factor in getting more residents vaccinated.
The vaccine scarcity is not unique to Missoula County or to Montana; the shortage is nationwide.
The Missoula County COVID-19 Vaccine Coordination Team is managed by the Western Montana All Hazard Incident Management Team under the Office of Emergency Management.