COVID-19 vaccine information sign-up now available

By Claire Ninde
San Juan Basin Public Health

In preparation for COVID-19 vaccine availability for La Plata and Archuleta counties, San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) has launched an online form for residents to receive COVID-19 vaccine notifications.

The form is available in both Englishand Spanish.

By completing the online form, those who wish to get the vaccine will be contacted as soon as it becomes available to them according to the state’s vaccine priorities. SJBPH is collecting information to help vaccine providers connect with individuals in the future. The information provided to SJBPH will be only be used to generate notifications of COVID-19 vaccine appointment availability. Email updates will likely come from a range of sources other than SJBPH, as the state recently announced vaccine distribution as described below:

SJBPH will focus on prioritizing vaccination for any outstanding highest risk healthcare workers in phase 1A and moderate risk healthcare workers and first responders in phase 1B.

Staff and residents at long-term care facilities will be vaccinated as per the federal government’s Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. SJBPH and its partners recently got a head start on this program, but facilities remain enrolled in the federal program.

All other phase 1 providers, such as hospitals, health systems, pharmacies and safety net clinics, will focus on vaccinating persons 70 years of age and older.

SJBPH is currently in phase 1A for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Phase 1A includes the highest risk healthcare workers, and residents of long-term care facilities. Phase 1B includes vaccinations for Coloradans who are 70 and older and frontline workers. Phase 1B will proceed in priority order, with moderate risk healthcare workers, first responders, and those over 70 prioritized over other essential workers.

The availability of COVID-19 vaccines is limited at this time, and Colorado’s allocation plan prioritizes people who are most at risk of illness and death from the virus. As indicated by Colorado’s vaccine distribution plan, phased distribution will take several months to complete.

“We’re excited for expanded vaccine distribution to help our communities get back to normal,” said Liane Jollon, executive director of SJBPH. “In the meantime, we can’t let up on best practices aimed at slowing the spread of the virus, such as wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding indoor gatherings, and getting tested if you have symptoms or believe you’ve been exposed.”

To sign up for COVID-19 vaccine notifications please visit https://bit.ly/35dzCLw for English or visit http://bit.ly/2LvUI0v for Spanish.

For the most up to date information to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19, visit SJBPH’s website:https://sjbpublichealth.org/coronavirus/.