EIPH simplifies vaccine registration process

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)-After a chaotic opening of COVID-19 vaccination registration last weekend, Eastern Idaho Public Health has modified its registration process.   

To get started, visit the EIPH website.

In its first weekend for eligible seniors 65 and older, most people found it difficult to navigate the registration process.   Now, EIPH will assign available vaccination appointments randomly to all eligible individuals who register on the waiting list before February 11, at 8 a.m.

For 10 days after that, EIPH will call or text to inform people who were randomly selected, of their appointment date.  That will range anywhere from February 15 through the end of March.  

People who register after February 11 at 8 a.m. can expect a call or text from EIPH between February 22-26 to notify them of their assigned appointment.

People who previously signed up for notification do not need to sign up again.   You will be notified Wednesday, February 3 to confirm your previous registration.

Rackow said people notified of vaccination dates will also be allowed to make an appointment for their spouse at a similar time.  The currently available vaccines require two immunizations.  The health district will schedule a time for that second immunization at the same time people receive their first shot.

People making vaccination appointments with private vendors, which are also listed on the EIPH website, should follow the instructions outlined by each vendor.

Rackow pointed out that there are over 30,000 people age 65 and over living in the regional health district, which includes Bonneville, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton Counties.  At this time, the district is only receiving approximately 2,500 does each week.

EIPH Director Geri Rackow said the department has now identified 40 provider locations throughout the region, in addition to the district itself. Those are also listed on the EIPH website.

Covid-19 vaccine providers in EIPH's 8-county region are also being made available. A third of the vaccines given to Eastern Idaho Public Health, will be divided between these groups. Idaho Falls Fire Dept. is one of these providers.
They specifically say people should not come to the station to register.

Instead, the vaccines will be distributed at a separate location.
The IFFD is also partnering with EIPH to help those who are homebound.
Fire Chief Duane Nelson promises "Whether that's a medical team going out to their home or an ambulance to assist them to provide that vaccine for those people they'll they'll sign up and contact public health for to get on that list public health is going to assist us with screening those people and scheduling those those people's that are in that situation."

The vaccinations are free. However, people with private insurance should bring their insurance card, since most insurance companies are paying for a share of the cost. There is no copay.