Steady progress is being reported on the COVID-19 vaccination front from Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains.

After administering 243 Phase 1a doses of the Moderna vaccine last week, officials at the hospital say they expected to receive another 220 vaccines as soon as this past Friday and will begin phase 1b inoculations as soon as they arrive.

Under Phase 1b guidelines, individuals age 70 and above, as well as those age 18-69 with certain high risk medical conditions are eligible to receive the shots, which have shown promise as an effective way to combat the spread of the deadly virus.

Last week, the hospital published an on-line survey to help identify which Sanders County residents are eligible for the initial vaccines.

As of Friday, the hospital reported approximately 1,600 surveys had been completed, with 1,446 of those from residents who do fit the current distribution guidelines.

“This survey is capturing only those individuals who fit Phase 1b and 1c guidelines,” a hospital statement said. “When we get closer to Phase 2 distribution we will adjust the survey to capture those who are eligible as well.”

Hospital CEO Dr. Greg Hanson said the hospital is reaching out to those who have completed the survey in an attempt to schedule appointments for receiving the initial dose.

“Please keep in mind that we are doing our best to offer vaccines as they become available and it will take us some time to distribute them to those needing them throughout the county,” Dr. Hanson said.

The Moderna version of the vaccine does not require sub-zero storage temperatures and has been deemed best for smaller medical facilities which do not have cooling equipment capable of storing the Pfizer vaccine.

For those area residents who have not filled out the vaccine survey, Dr. Hanson said it can be accessed through the hospital’s website, www.cfvh.org. The survey is a tool to help generate a list for scheduling vaccination appointment through Plains Family Medicine.

“We ask that you (friends and family can assist as needed) complete the survey if you have not yet done so and you wish to receive a vaccine,” Dr. Hanson said. “As we continue to deliver care at each of our Family Medicine Network offices around the county, we ask that you don’t call for appointments regarding the vaccine.

“The survey is meant to streamline this process and it will ask you the appropriate questions so we can reach out to you at the appropriate time,” Dr. Hanson added.

As a means of helping those who do not have internet access, the Sanders County Council on Aging has stepped in to offer assistance via phone in completing the survey.

“The SCCOA has graciously offered to help individuals complete the survey by phone,” Dr. Hanson said. “They can be reached at 406-741-2343, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please keep in mind they are not scheduling appointments, they are a resource for those without internet access”.

Dr. Hansen said CFVH and its network are continuing to seek vaccines for distribution as quick as they can.

“We are working diligently to ensure vaccines are available to Sanders County as quickly as possible,” he said. “We were one of three critical access hospitals scheduled to receive more than 100 dose this week. Many more will be needed but we are blessed to have received what we did.”