How safe are people after being fully vaccinated from carrying the coronavirus that causes COVID-19? Written By: C.S. Hagen | ×
Nurse Bethany Schulz gives a COVID-19 vaccination to Jean Beilke on Jan. 14 at Sanford Broadway Clinic in Fargo. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor
FARGO Corrine Bakken didn’t flinch when she became the first in her category to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Fargo. As hospital staff and media representatives swarmed around her, the room became quiet as the nurse rolled up her short sleeve.
The Pfizer vaccination, the first in a series of two shots, was over within seconds. After weeks of vaccinating front line workers, Sanford Health Bismarck and Sanford Health Fargo began administering the vaccine in what they call phase 1B on Thursday, Jan. 14. The category includes people age 75 and older and people with underlying high-risk health conditions.
The elderly and people with underlying health conditions in North Dakota are beginning to receive their first COVID-19 vaccine doses as the state enters Phase 1B of vaccine priority groups, and providers are gearing up as the vaccine becomes more widely available.
Adults 75 and older are slated to receive the vaccine first in this phase. Phase 1A vaccinations, which began in December, prioritized health care workers and long-term care residents and staff.
Sanford Health Bismarck began vaccinating some of its first Phase 1B patients Thursday. Two couples including Jim and Pat Wheeler received their first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at a Sanford vaccination clinic.