500 COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments Will Open Friday in Missoula

500 more appointments for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available tomorrow, Friday, February 19th at exactly 1 p.m. I stress the "exactly" because the appointments available online are claimed very quickly, within minutes. A couple of tips on logging in to try and claim appointments: don't log in early, just get to the website early and be ready to enter the second it turns 1 p.m. on your computer. When you get in, there will be a list of times to choose from for two different days of vaccinations, don't panic, know in advance when you will be available so you can choose an appropriate time. And finally, it will give you an opportunity to add two family members, all you need is their first and last names. There aren't any insurance questions or anything like that, just basic info, like name, address, phone number.

When you click that link, scroll down to the yellow line that says "PUBLIC CLINICS" and you'll see a log in for Missoula City County Health Department, that's the one you want. If you secure an appointment, they will email you a confirmation and then you and any family members you listed should show up at the time you requested. They will tell you what day to be at the former Lucky's location (either Sunday, February 21st or Monday, February 22nd.) You do not have to pay for anything, but you should bring a photo copy of your insurance card, whether it's private, Medicare, or Medicaid, and your 2nd appointment and dose will happen at the same place, at the same time, exactly 3 weeks later. You can also call (406) 258-4636 to book appointments.

Montana is currently in Phase 1b, tier 1. This includes everyone who is age 70 and older, and Native Americans & people of color who are age 16 and older, as they are at elevated risk for COVID-19. For more information, you can check out "My Experience in Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine in Missoula" here.