BUTTE — St. James Healthcare in Butte received its first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday.
The hospital will begin vaccinating its front line workers this Thursday, according to a statement from Jennifer Davenport, MD, St. James Healthcare's Chief Medical Officer.
The statement said St. James will focus on vaccinating doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, cleaning staff, and first responders, in accordance with state and federal guidance.
St. James has purchased a freezer that can reach temperatures as low as -80 degrees Celsius and safely store the vaccine shipment.
"The arrival of the vaccine is true progress, but we all still have a role to play in slowing the spread of COVID-19," the statement read. "Please be proactive and do your part to take the necessary precautions. Wash your hands, wear a mask, and continue to practice social distancing."
Vaccine shipments have also been confirmed in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula as of Tuesday.