Here for Our Communities
Working together, we can end this pandemic.
Vaccinations are one of the most important tools to help end the COVID-19 pandemic.
In northern Idaho, the Panhandle Health District is overseeing the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines provided by the State of Idaho. Vaccines will be administered to groups as outlined in the state’s prioritization schedule.
Kootenai Health will be assisting the Panhandle Health District to help accelerate COVID-19 vaccination administration in Kootenai County.
Current Criteria for COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments at Kootenai Health
Kootenai Health Now Offering Vaccine Appointments for Phase 1a/1b Groups
The groups listed below can now book COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Kootenai Health.
Patients who book appointments will be required to provide proof of eligibility – a pay stub, a badge, etc. If patients do not have proof of eligibility, they will not be provided vaccination.
Phase 1a
- Hospital staff essential for care of COVID-19 patients
- Long-term care facility residents and staff (vaccine administration provided through the Pharmacy Partnership Program)
- Outpatient & Inpatient clinic/medical staff who are unable to telework
- Home healthcare providers
- Emergency Medical Services
- Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants
- Pharmacists, pharmacy techs, and pharmacy aides
- Emergency management response workers who are unable to telework
- Coroners
- First Responders
- School Nurses
Phase 1b
- Pre-K-12 School Employees
- Childcare Workers
- Correctional & Detention Facility Staff
- Adults age 65 and older
Note: this does not include frontline essential workers (grocery/agriculture/postal workers) at this time. We hope to be able to include those groups in the coming months.
To view all phases and groups for rollout, please go to https://panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19/vaccine/.
Important Notes
- Vaccination is by appointment only.
- Patients should bring proof of eligibility. If you do not meet the criteria, you will not be provided vaccination at the vaccine clinic.
- Walk-ups are not eligible at this time and we are not maintaining a wait list. Do not make multiple appointments. Please do not schedule unless you are able to make the appointment. Rescheduling is not currently available.
- Please do not call the clinics or hospital for appointments.
- Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes in advance of your appointment to ensure we have adequate room for social distancing.
How to Schedule
If you meet the criteria, please click the button below. Please use Chrome browser.
Appointments are booked quickly.
Note: A limited number of same day appointments may open each day if we have “no shows.”
Check back frequently to see if there are any openings by clicking the link below.
The bulk of appointments will be released each Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Appointments will open each week for the following week (depending on supply) on each Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Appointments
Appointments are dependent on available supply. Each week Kootenai Health will release approximately 1,000 appointments to Idaho residents who meet the current criteria at Kootenai Health.
We will open appointments a week at a time, depending on supply. Each Wednesday at 4 p.m., we will open a new block of appointments for the following week.
Kootenai Health is only offering vaccination appointments for Idaho residents who are within the 1a/1b groups listed above.
Any other person who thinks they qualify as an eligible group according to the State of Idaho’s criteria (but does not meet Kootenai Health’s current criteria) need to contact Panhandle Health District for appointment options. To learn about appointment availability through Panhandle Health District, visit panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19/vaccine or call their COVID-19 hotline at (877) 415-5225.
Special Notes
You must commit to completing the two doses of vaccine. Your second dose will be scheduled at your first dose appointment.
Where is the Vaccine Clinic Located?
Kootenai Health is offering our community vaccine clinic in the Kootenai Services Building (blue and brick building near the North Entrance) basement. Walk-ins are not eligible. View map here (Kootenai Services Building is #3)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Panhandle Health District’s plan for vaccination?
In northern Idaho, the Panhandle Health District is overseeing the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines, as outlined by the prioritization schedule set by the State of Idaho. To view Panhandle Health District’s information on COVID-19 vaccine availability click here.
Where is the Vaccine Supply Coming From?
Vaccines are supplied by the State of Idaho via the Panhandle Health District. The supply is limited and the administration of current vaccines require special cold storage and handling. Our highly trained clinical and pharmacy staff will provide an additional resource to aid Panhandle Health District in this significant undertaking.
When Can I Get My COVID-19 Vaccine?
Vaccination in our community is directed by the Panhandle Health District. Different groups eligible for vaccination are being managed by different organizations. For a complete list of who can get vaccinated where, please visit the Panhandle Health District website or call the COVID-19 hotline at 1 (877) 415-5225.
Who Oversees Vaccine Distribution in Northern Idaho?
Panhandle Health District is overseeing the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. Working together, we can help vaccinate more people, more quickly.
Why Are Vaccines Important?
Vaccinations are one of the most important tools available to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage every person to discuss vaccination with his or her doctor and make arrangements to get vaccinated for COVID-19 when available to you.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to end the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Can Family Members of Those 65+ Be Vaccinated?
Because COVID-19 vaccines are an extremely scarce resource, Kootenai Health is following Panhandle Health District and the State of Idaho’s prioritization schedule as closely as possible to provide vaccine to groups most at risk.
Have Questions About The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness?
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, watch this video from Kootenai Health physicians, Todd Hoopman, M.D. and Robert Scoggins, M.D. PhD (in virology) as they discuss the new mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 available from Pfizer and Moderna.
Resources:
State of Idaho COVID-19 Response
Thank You Heroes
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the health care heroes at Kootenai Health have devoted their energy and expertise every single day to serve our community in these unprecedented times.
Our heroes have encountered overwhelming adversity. Even when burdened with uncomfortable personal protective equipment, resource shortages and animosity from many they are called to serve, they continue to show up, work hard and sacrifice.
We honor and thank each of our health care heroes for what they contribute to our community and we are inspired by their strength.
Thank you to all who continue to serve our community in its time of need. Together, we look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
