Who Will Be The First to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Montana?

With news that a COVID-19 vaccine will be available in Montana by mid-December, many residents are wondering when the vaccine will be available to all Montanans.

In a press conference Wednesday, Governor Steve Bullock announced that a COVID-19 vaccine will be shipped to Montana within a few weeks. and said that when the vaccine is approved, health care workers and residents in long term care facilities in Montana should be top priority.

According to Bullock, the exact number of vaccines that will be shipped to Montana in unknown, but it's estimated that 9,750 doses of the Pfizer vaccine will initially be shipped to Montana, with several thousand expected shortly after.

If you're wondering when you'll be able to get the vaccine, it depends on a variety of factors. Health care workers in Montana will be first in line for the vaccine, but what about the rest of the folks living in Montana?

The New York Times and Ariadne Labs have teamed up and created a vaccine tool to calculate the number of people who will need a vaccine in each state and county. It will also provide some clarity if you're wondering when you'll be able to get the vaccine when it's available in Montana.

To find out where you are in line, simply fill out the survey and click submit. The determination is based upon your age, line of work, and whether or not you have COVID-19 related health risks. Essentially, if you're healthy, you may have to wait a long time for the vaccine.

After filling out the form, here is the response I received.

Based on your risk profile, we believe you’re in line behind 268.7 million people across the United States.

When it comes to Montana, we think you’re behind 838,300 others who are at higher risk in your state.

And in Gallatin County, you’re behind 82,800 others.

To find your place in line for a COVID-19 vaccine in Montana, click here.