The South Dakota Department of Health announced that on Monday, January 18, 2021, the Department of Health and its health partners across the state will start vaccinating a prioritized population group, within Group 1D, of the state’s vaccination plan.

This first prioritized population group will be those 80 and over, as well as high-risk individuals and will be expanded to other groups within 1D as vaccines become available. The modification comes amidst the federal government’s plan to release vaccines to states to speed up vaccinations nationwide.

“Given the progress we’ve seen in groups A through C, we are confident that with an increase in vaccine allocations, we can move into a limited population of group 1D. We will begin with those 80 and over and high-risk individuals, and from this starting point, adjust accordingly as allocation permits,” said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary of Health. “We want to reassure those who’ve already received their first dose, and those in groups A through C who are already in the queue, that their second-dose will be available.”

In addition to the release of COVID-19 vaccines, Operation Warp Speed announced it is changing how it will allocate such vaccines to states. Federal officials will increase weekly allocation to states based on the size of a state’s 65+ population and take into consideration how quickly each state is administering the vaccine to the general public. Currently, South Dakota has been receiving an average of 11,000 doses a week and has administered over 47,950 doses.

“Given our strong partnerships with stakeholders, and the non-stop efforts of our healthcare systems, the Department of Health is proud to say that South Dakota remains among the top states in the country in vaccination efforts —Shots in arms, that’s our goal,” added Malsam-Rysdon.

For additional information and the latest COVID-19 resources, visit COVID.SD.GOV.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Priority Groups for Phase 1

1A

• Frontline Healthcare Workers

• Long-Term Care Facility Healthcare Workers

1B

• Long-Term Care Residents

1C

• Other healthcare workers

• Public Health Workers

• Emergency Medical Services

• Law Enforcement

• Correctional Officers

1D (started January 18)

• Persons aged 65 years and older - Starting w/those 80 years and older (age to be lowered in coming weeks)

• High Risk Patients - dialysis, post-transplant and active cancer

• High Risk Residents in Congregate Settings, Residents in Licensed Independent Living Facilities, and Residents in Licensed Group Homes

• Persons with 2 or more underlying medical conditions

• Teachers and other school/college staff

• Funeral service workers

1E

• Fire Service Personnel

• Other Critical Infrastruction Workers

See COVID.SD.GOV for more information