Ten Montana hospitals will receive the first round of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, including both Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings.
Michael Bush, chief medical officer for St. Vincent, said Monday afternoon that the hospital is prepared to store the new vaccine.
“We do have cold storage; I believe it is here and ready for the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna vaccine requires colder storage but not the super cold like the Pfizer,” said Bush.
Bush said that guidance of the distribution of the vaccine has been provided. St. Vincent will distribute the vaccine first to health care workers, such as doctors and nurses that work directly with COVID-19 patients.
Bush said that he does not expect everyone in the community to have access to the vaccine until next fall. In the meantime, he said people need to continue to be cautious, social distance and wear masks for the next several months.
