STORY BY KAREN BOSSICK AND ST. LUKE’S
GRAPH BY PAUL RIES
St. Luke’s Health System reached an important milestone Monday, administering its 100,000th COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine was given Monday morning at St. Luke’s Travel Medicine Clinic in Meridian to 53-year-old Tai Thanh Pham of Boise.
Steven Angerman of Meridian came in seconds later as the 100,001st dose.
The milestone includes all first and second doses administered since St. Luke’s began providing the COVID vaccine in mid-December, right after the first vaccine was approved for emergency use authorization.
“It’s so inspiring to reach this important moment, and I’m so proud of our St. Luke’s team,” said Scott Milner, St. Luke’s senior director of pharmacy. “This was made possible thanks to the heroic efforts by so many St. Luke’s leaders and staff working extra shifts and long days just to ensure vaccine gets into arms and people in our community are protected.
“I feel privileged to be a part of and see the work that has taken place to make this possible.”
To date 426,445 Idahoans have received at least one dose of vaccine. Of those, 266,687 are fully vaccinated.
About 20 percent of Idaho’s population 16 and older has been vaccinated; 67.1 percent of those 65 and over have been vaccinated.
Blaine County continues to lead the state with 50.5 percent of its residents vaccinated. Valley County where the ski resort town of McCall sits is next with 42 percent.
The 100,000th vaccine dose also comes as Idaho opens COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to people over age 16 with at least one medical condition. St. Luke’s continues to add appointment availability as vaccine supply increases and has open appointments this week. All Idahoans ages 16 and older, regardless of medical condition, occupation or other factors, will be eligible starting April 5.
St. Luke’s is seeing enthusiastic reception for the vaccine, leaders say.
“These vaccines have been tested and are safe and effective. They are the best way to avoid becoming sick from COVID and get us all back to the life and day-to-day activities we all miss,” said Dr. Laura McGeorge, St. Luke’s Health System service line medical director for primary and specialty care.
“We still have a long way to go to achieve herd immunity, and vaccines will help us to safely keep our children in school, visit our grandparents, travel and enjoy activities like sporting events and concerts.”
People who would like the COVID-19 vaccine can easily schedule an appointment online using St. Luke’s myChart. Those who don’t have myChart, don’t have access to the internet or a computer, or speak languages other than English can call 208-381-9500 to schedule an appointment.