Businesses and industries in vaccine priority subgroup 2.3 encouraged to begin planning for workforce COVID-19 vaccine

Central District Health, Idaho, March 1, 2021

An estimated 46 percent of people 65 years and older who are currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccine within Central District Health’s (CDH)four-county jurisdiction have received their first dose since February 1, 2021. While an exact date to move to the next subgroup eligible for vaccine has not been established in Idaho, CDH is encouraging businesses and industries who are eligible next, to begin planning. According to the state’s vaccine priority plan, subgroup 2.3 could become eligible in early April; however,this estimate is subject to change. Those eligible as part of the next subgroup include frontline workers who have close and frequent contact with others as part of their regular job duties, which puts them at higher risk for exposure. Idaho National Guard Members that were not included in previous subgroups,residents of homeless shelters, ASL and other language interpreters, and cleaning and janitorial staff who work in one of the outlined industries will also be eligible under subgroup 2.3. Frontline workers Food and agricultural worker

Food processing workers, including USDA processing plant inspectors

Grocery, convenience store, and food pantry workers, Manufacturing workers, Public transit workers, U.S. Postal Services workers, Flight crews, Subset of essential gas, electric, water, and telecommunications utility workers, who work indoors Other people eligible in subgroup 2.3 Idaho National Guard (if not included in previous subgroups) Residents of homeless shelters Interpreters (ASL or other language)

Janitorial and cleaning staff who work within any of these sectors or settings(including above)“Given the continued limited vaccine supply, we ask individuals and businesses who qualify in this upcoming subgroup to consider the conditions they most consistently work in. Are they in close and frequent contact with other employees or the public in order to do their job? We know that people who must consistently work in these environments are at a higher risk of exposure and encourage employers to prioritize these employees accordingly,” said Russ Duke, District Director for Central District Health. “Other essential workers who are not on the front lines will be eligible for vaccine in Group 3.”What should those in subgroup 2.3 do now? Individuals within the 2.3 subgroup should work with their employer on how to best access vaccine when an official eligibility date is determined. Employers and industries within the 2.3 subgroup are encouraged to consider among the following options for employees:

Employers may encourage their employees to seek their own individual appointments through an enrolled vaccine provider when subgroup 2.3 becomes eligible. It is preferred that people make an appointment with an enrolled vaccine provider within the community they live wherever possible. Making an appointment will only be possible once the state has opened up vaccine to the 2.3 subgroup. Please wait until the date is announced for group 2.3 to be eligible for the vaccine before attempting to make an appointment.