Frontline workers

• Food and agricultural workers
  • Food processing workers, including USDA processing plant inspectors
  • Grocery, convenience store, and food pantry workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Public transit workers
• U.S. Postal Services workers
• Flight crews
• Subset of essential gas, electric, water, and telecommunications utility workers, who work indoors

Other people eligible in subgroup 2.3

• Idaho National Guard (if not included in previous subgroups)
• Residents of homeless shelters
• Interpreters (ASL or other language)
• Janitorial and cleaning staff who work within any of these sectors or settings (including above)

Other people eligible in group 3, subgroup 3.1:

• Age plus Medical Condition alternating with Age Bands | priority group 3
  • Medical conditions are defined as “are at increased risk” and “might be at increased risk” per the CDC. In addition, disabilities* are also included as a medical condition. To see a full list of conditions that qualify as a medical condition, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.
• Age 55-64 with at least one medical condition | subgroup 3.1

Who decides the priority groups and subgroups for the COVID-19 vaccine?

Idaho’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee (CVAC) discusses recommendations for subgroups within each group of the states’s plan. CVAC’s recommendations are provided to the Governor, who makes final decisions on vaccine prioritization. In some circumstances, Central District Health makes decisions for its local jurisdiction in areas that haven’t been specified by CVAC to help clarify when priority groups/subgroups are eligible to get the vaccine.

When does the COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee (CVAC) meet?

The Idaho COVID-19 Advisory Committee meets from noon to 2 p.m. every other Friday or when seen fit. Members of the public may listen only via WebEx. Public comment is accepted via email at: covid19vaccinepubliccomment@dhw.idaho.gov. Once available, meeting agendas are posted HERE. Find other resources regarding the Idaho COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee, HERE.

How can my workplace get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Individuals within the 2.3 subgroup should work with their employer on how to best access vaccine. Employers and industries within the 2.3 subgroup are encouraged to consider among the following options for employees:

Employers may encourage their employees to seek their own individual appointments through an enrolled vaccine provider. It is preferred that people make an appointment with an enrolled vaccine provider within the community they live wherever possible. Making an appointment will only be possible once the state has opened up vaccine to the 2.3 subgroup.

As a reminder, enrolled vaccine providers will ask people to bring proof of eligibility to their vaccine appointment. This may include a pay stub or other proof of employment. Additionally, proof of Idaho residency is now required. Learn more HERE.

For a list of enrolled vaccine providers in Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington counties in English and Spanish.

Employers may establish an agreement with an enrolled vaccine provider for an on-site/mobile vaccine clinic for their employees. This option would not prohibit employees from seeking their own vaccine appointment.

When will providers schedule on-site vaccine clinics for my staff?

Enrolled Vaccine Providers are working on vaccine clinic plans. Please contact Southwest District Health for more information about how to schedule on-site vaccination clinics for staff.

How do I know if I’m eligible within subgroup 2.3, based on my job classification and title?

For those who believe they may qualify as a frontline worker, we are asking them to consider if they have close and frequent contact with others as part of their regular job duties, which puts them at higher risk for exposure. If someone works for an industry included on the list but works in a spaced office setting or a telecommute situation, they would not be included in subgroup 2.3.

We recognize that it will not be obvious for every business to determine on their own if they are eligible in subgroup 2.3. To learn if your business or the business you work for falls within subgroup 2.3, call Southwest Disitrict Health’s Call Center at 208-455-5411 to speak with a representative. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to answer your questions.

Who is eligible to get the vaccine in subgroup 2.3 and when can they get the vaccine?

On Monday, March, 15, 2021, Subgroup 2.3 is eligible for vaccine in Southwest District Health’s (SWDH) six-county jurisdiction – Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington County. Individuals within subgroup 2.3 can start making vaccine appointments immediately. Those eligible in subgroup 2.3 can begin filling up appointment slots starting March 15th.

Those eligible in subgroup 2.3 include frontline workers who have close and frequent contact with others as part of their regular job duties, which puts them at higher risk for exposure. Idaho National Guard Members that were not included in previous subgroups, residents of homeless shelters, ASL and other language interpreters, and cleaning and janitorial staff who work in one of the outlined industries will also be eligible under subgroup 2.3.

CVAC has identified specific subgroups that are eligible within group 2, subgroup 2.3. The following are eligible:

• Residents of homeless shelters
• Food and agriculture workers
  • Food processing workers, includes USDA processing plant inspectors
  • Grocery, convenience store, and food pantry workers
• Idaho National Guard (if not already included in group 1.4 or 1.7)
• Subset of essential gas, electric, water, and telecommunications utility workers, who work indoors
• Manufacturing workers
• Public transit workers
• U.S. Postal Service workers
• Flight crews
• Interpreters (ASL or other language) within any of these sectors or settings (included above)
• Janitorial and cleaning staff should be vaccinated within any of these sectors or settings (included above)

To view Idaho’s full vaccine prioritization list (who is eligible for vaccine, and approximately when), click HERE.