(From Todd Epp, Northern Plains News)
COVID-19 activity remains low across South Dakota and the northern Plains as of early June, according to the South Dakota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Public health officials say summer increases have occurred in previous years, and a similar trend could happen this season.
A new Omicron descendant, NB.1.8.1, has been detected at low levels in the United States. The World Health Organization is monitoring this variant, but it is not currently causing a surge in cases in the region. Hospitalization rates remain steady and low, with no significant increases recently, according to state and federal health agencies.
Vaccine Formula Updated for Fall
The Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory committee unanimously recommended that the 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccines be updated to target the JN.1 lineage, specifically the LP.8.1 strain, which now accounts for most U.S. cases.
The World Health Organization also supports this approach, saying JN.1-related vaccines are appropriate for the upcoming season. The FDA said the change is less dramatic than in previous years, but the formula is being updated to better match currently circulating variants.
Vaccine Eligibility and Decision-Making
Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines remains complex. As of June, adults 65 and older are eligible, according to the CDC. People under 65 with certain health conditions also qualify, but definitions and requirements are evolving as the FDA updates licenses. Pharmacies are using self-attestation, so individuals do not need to provide proof of underlying conditions.
Children, pregnant women, and others not in the main eligibility groups may receive the COVID-19 vaccine through shared clinical decision-making, a process where the decision is made jointly by the patient and the healthcare provider based on individual risks and benefits.
Most insurance plans are required to cover vaccines recommended by the CDC, including those given under shared clinical decision-making, without out-of-pocket costs, though some grandfathered plans are exempt. The CDC said the recent shift to this model has led to some confusion, and coverage may not always be consistent as insurers adjust to updated guidance.
Vaccination Rates in South Dakota and the Plains
As of March, 84 percent of South Dakota residents had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 66 percent were fully vaccinated, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. About 29 percent had received a booster or additional dose. These rates are similar to or slightly higher than neighboring North Dakota, Nebraska and Montana, but lower than Minnesota, according to USAFacts.
Vaccination in Tribal Communities
Vaccination rates among American Indian and Alaska Native communities have improved, according to tribal health officials and the Indian Health Service. These efforts include mobile clinics, community-based campaigns and culturally tailored outreach.
Surveys show that most Native participants view vaccination as a community responsibility, though access challenges such as travel distance remain for some. Tribal health leaders say trust in local providers and community-driven strategies have been key to improving uptake.
New Moderna Vaccine Not Yet Available
The FDA has authorized a new Moderna COVID-19 vaccine that targets the rapidly changing parts of the spike protein. This vaccine offers a sharper immune response, especially in older adults, according to Moderna and the FDA. The new dose is smaller, allowing for more efficient distribution, and can be stored in standard refrigerators, which will benefit rural clinics and pharmacies in the Plains. However, the vaccine will not be available until the CDC issues final approval and guidance.
Where to Find More Information
Residents can visit the South Dakota Department of Health website by CLICKING HERE or the CDC’s COVID-19 page by CLICKING HERE for the latest updates. The COVID-19 Helpline for South Dakota is 800-997-2880.
