STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Idaho’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee sent its recommendations for vaccinating those in Group 3 to the governor after its meeting Friday afternoon.

Group 3, expected to become eligible in April, includes essential workers like those in food service, construction, information technology, bank tellers and media. It also includes those 16 to 64 years of age who have medical conditions that increase their risk for severe COVID-19.

“There remains much work to do when it comes to determining the process for vaccinating Group 3, but the committee has agreed on a basic framework that will now be considered by Gov. Little,” said Elke Shaw-Tulloch, Idaho’s Division of Public Health administrator.

Others being considered for Group 3 include workers in transportation and logistics, water and wastewater, shelter, finance, communications, energy, legal, public safety such as engineers and public health workers.

CVAC also voted in favor of including adults with disabilities, including people who have limited mobility or who cannot avoid coming into close contact with others who may be infected such as direct support providers and family members. Also, people who have trouble understanding information or practicing preventative measures, such as hand washing and social distancing, and people who may not be able to communicate symptoms of illness.

CVAC voted against including FAA Airway transportation specialists in Group 2.1, which is already eligible, as they had been requested to do.