BROOKINGS – To get vaccines in arms as quickly as possible, Brookings Health System is partnering with Sanford Clinic Brookings and Avera Medical Group Brookings to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to qualifying Brookings County residents. 

The partnership between the health entities follows last week’s announcement from the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) that vaccination eligibility would be opened up to select individuals within Phase 1D of the DOH’s COVID Vaccination Plan. Those now eligible include: 

• Individuals 80+ years of age

• High-risk individuals, including those who have 2+ underlying medical conditions

• People who live in a congregate setting

“We ask for patience and grace during this undertaking,” Brookings Health System President and CEO Jason Merkley said. “Demand is much higher than supply. We estimate there are over 7,500 people total in Phase 1D within Brookings County, and this week we received 300 vaccine doses. If vaccine allocations remain limited, it will take a great deal of time to give all eligible folks their turn.”

Starting this week, Brookings County residents will be contacted by their primary care clinic if they meet one of the following criteria:

• 80+ years of age

• High-risk individual

The clinics will contact the oldest and sickest individuals first. Individuals will receive a phone call when a vaccine dose is available for their turn.

Brookings Health System will work directly with congregate living settings to vaccinate residents.

Brookings County residents who qualify for the current Phase 1D selection and are not a patient at Avera Medical Group Brookings or Sanford Clinic Brookings may join the vaccine waiting list at brookingshealth.org/vaccine.