PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – The leader of the South Dakota Department of Health says the state will be ready to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine by mid-November– if a vaccine is available by then.

Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon says there are “several” vaccine candidates currently being tested.

When it becomes available, Malsam-Rysdon says the vaccine will be distributed in three different phases.

She says the state is also coordinating vaccine distribution logistics with tribal leaders.

Malsam-Rysdon says they will use a variety of methods to vaccinate individuals.

Malsam-Rysdon says individuals will have access to the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost, but entities administering it may charge a fee. She says that’s still being worked out at the federal level.