Prairie Lakes begins phase one of vaccine distribution.

WATERTOWN, S.D. (News Release) — Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in Watertown has begun phase one of vaccine distribution which includes frontline and long-term health care workers.

In a release, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System says it’s part of the Northern Plains Network, a network of independent health systems in South Dakota. The vaccine was dispersed to some members of the network this week to increase the reach of the vaccine in South Dakota. These members include Brookings Health System, Huron Regional Medical Center, and Madison Regional Health System.

Prairie Lakes is also working with long term care and assisted living facilities in Codington Country to vaccinate their employees during this initial phase.

The healthcare system says even though vaccinations have begun this week, it is essential that all people continue to engage in social distancing, wear a mask, and practice good hand hygiene as we continue our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem made a stop at Prairie Lakes on Wednesday to show her support of the COVID Vaccine Clinic.

Read more about the South Dakota Department of Health’s vaccine distribution priority list HERE