Public Health Emerging Issues

February 17, 2020

COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATE:

  • Colorado has expanded eligibility and is currently in phase 1B.2 of vaccine distribution.
  • Providers can offer vaccine to all previously eligible groups as well as:
    • Individuals age 65-69.
    • Childcare workers in licensed child care programs, teachers (full-time and substitutes), and other school support positions (bus, food, counselors, administrative, safety, and additional support services offered inside the school).
    • Members of the Executive and Judicial branches of state government
  • Mesa County Public Health is operating a Point of Distribution (POD) mass vaccination site by appointment only at the Grand Junction Convention Center (159 Main St.). 
  • The amount of vaccine administered at the MCPH mass vaccination site has increased to 1,000 (first and second) doses per day.
  • Mesa County Public Health has 3,926 vaccine appointments scheduled between Feb. 16-21. 
  • As of the week ending February 13, 12,878 first doses and 5,338 second doses have been administered in Mesa County for a total of 18,216 doses. 
  • Vaccine data is published weekly on the MCPH Vaccine Dashboard
  • A vaccine interest form is available on the Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) website.
    • 16,146 individuals over the age of 70 have filled out the form and provided an email address for scheduling.
    • 582 people indicated they did not have an email address and requested phone-only contact. 
    • 3,873 individuals between the ages of 65-69 have filled out the form (opened on Feb. 8).
  • The interest form can be used for individuals 65 years and older as well as those with two or more severe health conditions. 
  • MCPH is working with employers in essential services and other industries open for vaccination scheduling.
  • MCPH sends a scheduling link to individuals and employers who have filled out the interest form or contacted us. This is to ensure the correct number of appointments, based on available vaccine are scheduled.
  • MCPH has contacted all individuals over the age of 70 in Phase 1B.1 who filled out the interest form, as well as medical providers with less direct patient access at least once for scheduling. We will make one additional attempt to contact individuals, those efforts are currently underway.
  • If you do not have regular access to a computer call 970-248-6900. Press Option 7, and leave a call back number. Individuals who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish should call the Mesa County Public Health Spanish-language line at 970-255-3700.
  • The State of Colorado has set up a Vaccine Hotline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with answers to general vaccine questions available in multiple languages. Call 1-877-CO-VAX-CO (1-877-268-2926).
  • Phase 1B.3 is estimated to begin in March after the state of Colorado reaches the goal of vaccinating 70% of Coloradans over the age of 70 statewide.
  • Phase 2 is scheduled to begin this spring.
  • Phase 3 continues to be on track to begin this summer, if not sooner, based on vaccine availability.