For the past month, two COVID-19 vaccines have been available in Wyoming and there have been two priority groups that the Department of Health designated.
The first were health care providers and law enforcement. The second included those over the age of 70, correctional staff and funeral service practitioners.
But now Wyoming state health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist said they have expanded the second priority group.
"Priority 1b group now includes individuals aged 65 or older. It also includes individuals with underlying medical conditions that might make them at higher risk for severe illness or death from COVID," said Harrist. "And it continues to include those frontline essential workers who are really essential for our health and safety in Wyoming."
Harrist said this expansion aligns with national changes.
"Based on our priorities of making sure that we're using this vaccine to save as much life and prevent as much severe illness as possible," said Harrist. "But also to make sure that there is enough flexibility in our vaccine priorities, to be able to continue to get vaccines out as fast as we possibly can."
Harrist said the department has also announced the next priority group that will be eligible after priority group 1b. Priority group 1c includes employees in manufacturing and restaurants and those in critical infrastructure work that make sure society still functions, for instance, government workers. But Harrist said it will take a while before the third group can get vaccinated. All counties are still processing people in the second priority group.
In addition, in February, the state will be receiving a 30 percent increase of the Moderna vaccine and a 20 percent increase of the Pfizer vaccine The increase of Pfizer vaccine is because the CDC says with the use of a specific syringe, six doses can be administered from each vial of vaccine. It was previously five doses from each vial.
