Public Health Emerging Issues
January 28, 2021
Vaccine Distribution Update
- Colorado is currently in phase 1 of vaccine distribution.
- Mesa County is currently in phase 1A and 1B of vaccine distribution and is administering both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines to members of our community.
- As of the week ending January 23, Mesa County has administered 7,425 first doses and 1,613 second doses for a total of 9,038 doses.
- We estimate Phase 1 is 38% complete.
- Vaccine data is published weekly on our Vaccine Dashboard.
- Mesa County Public Health is operating a Point of Distribution (POD) mass vaccination site at the Grand Junction Convention Center (159 Main St.)
- This location, open by appointment only, will allow for approximately 1,200 doses to be administered per day and can be expanded further.
- Because of the nature of the vaccine, as well as storage and monitoring requirements an appointment is required.
- Our current priority group is a small number of remaining front-line health care workers, the majority of our appointments are being filled by first responders, essential personnel in Phase 1B, and individuals age 70 and older.
- Phase 1A and 1B recipients will receive the vaccine through their employer, local public health agency, enrolled COVID-19 vaccine provider, or through the federal government’s Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care (LTC) program.
- All skilled nursing and long-term care facilities in Mesa County have held clinics for first doses of vaccine. Scheduling is underway for clinics to administer second doses.
- Phase 2 is scheduled to begin this spring and Phase 3 is on track to begin this Summer if not sooner based on vaccine availability.
- An interest form on the MCPH website is available for individuals who have not been contacted through their employer, or those who are 70+.
- There are more than 30 facilities across Mesa County that have signed up to distribute vaccine. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is working to determine which additional providers will serve expanded groups as we move through subsequent phases.
- Cost is not a barrier. COVID-19 vaccines are provided free of charge; you may be asked for insurance information, if you have it, for administrative costs.
- Questions about eligibility, interest, or registration for appointments can be emailed to healthinfo@mesacounty.us or call 970-248-6900. We ask for your patience as we return calls as quickly as possible, high call volumes have resulted in delayed response times.
- For general information, the state of Colorado has set up a vaccine call center. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Beginning Feb. 1, hours will extend to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The toll-free number is 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).