SM County: Vaccine Equity Statewide Priority

19 Jan SM County: Vaccine Equity Statewide Priority

For more information surrounding COVID resources, testing and the concern form, visit here.

For more information surrounding the state’s COVID-19 dial, visit here.

Grace Franklin, County Public Health Director

Last week Governor Polis announced that COVID-19 vaccine distribution centers are to target administration of the first vaccine dose to 70% of residents 70 years of age and older by the end of February. The various distribution centers have been directed that Phase 1b below the dotted line will not begin until this milestone has been reached.

Additionally, Governor Polis has reminded all distribution sites across the state that equity of vaccination is a priority. COVID vaccines are free and do not require proof of citizenship.

“Whether you are a U.S. citizen or not, we are all in this together. If you would like a vaccine, you will be able to get one according to what vaccine phase you are in. An ID should not be required for access to the vaccine,” stated a letter from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Administrative Director of Laboratory Services Scott Bookman this past Sunday.

“San Miguel County Public Health and the Telluride Regional Medical Center are prepared to administer vaccines as quickly as they arrive from the state and federal level,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “We cannot emphasize enough how grateful we are for the patience of our residents. We too are eager to protect our county and abate this pandemic quickly.”

Public Health is preparing to respond to potential slowdowns in vaccine rollout in the coming weeks due to national and state supply shortages. This week, county distribution centers will begin administering the first round of second doses to frontline healthcare workers.

Public Health has confirmed 29 new positive cases of COVID-19 from test results received from January 16 through 19. Of these cases, 28 are residents and all actively contagious cases are currently in isolation.

There have been 546 total COVID cases among residents to date with 38 active cases.

To learn more about the county’s current COVID-19 metrics, please visit the County COVID-19 dashboard.

Five Commitments of Containment:

Wear a mask
Maintain six feet of physical distance
Minimize group size
Wash hands frequently
Stay home when sick and get tested