SM County: Flu Shot Clinics Begin!

09 Oct SM County: Flu Shot Clinics Begin!

San Miguel County puts out the word: CDC recommends flu shots for everyone six months and older.

For corona vaccine info, visit here.

For up-to-date coronavirus information, visit here.

For free coronavirus testing opportunities, visit here.

For all Covid blogs from San Miguel County, go here.

With the arrival of influenza (flu) season, San Miguel County Public Health will begin administering flu vaccines free of charge at weekly clinics throughout the month of October.

“A flu vaccine is recommended every year because a person’s immunity from vaccination declines over time and flu viruses change year over year,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “Vaccines can protect each person by stopping diseases from spreading, and are especially important with the continued presence of COVID throughout the county.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every season with rare exception. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has made this recommendation since the 2010-2011 influenza season.

Public Health will host flu vaccine clinics for everyone age 6 months and older as follows:

Monday, October 11: 11:45am-1:30pm, Senior Lunch at Christ Presbyterian, 434 W Columbia Ave., Telluride, Register here: https://www.comassvax.org//appointment/en/reg/1560821921

Thursday, October 14: 12-2pm, Public Health Department, 333 W. Colorado Ave. 3rd Floor, Telluride, Register here: https://www.comassvax.org//appointment/en/reg/2651558109

Thursday, October 21: 12:30-2pm, Norwood Public Library, 1445 S. Pinon St., Norwood, Register here: https://www.comassvax.org//appointment/en/reg/5971610712

Friday, October 22: 2:45-4:00pm, Telluride Intermediate Gym, 717 W Colorado Ave., Telluride, Register here: https://www.comassvax.org//appointment/en/reg/1560723911

Thursday, October 28: 12-2pm, Public Health Department, 333 W. Colorado Ave. 3rd Floor, Telluride, Register here: https://www.comassvax.org//appointment/en/reg/9110216715

Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines. Public Health’s flu clinics will take place in conjunction with COVID vaccine clinics, allowing recipients to opt into both vaccines if they choose. At present, it is estimated that deaths due to COVID are more than 10 times higher than deaths due to most strains of the flu. Vaccination against both viruses can protect a person from severe disease, hospitalization, or death due to infection.

“As we enter into flu season, it is important to stay home when feeling under the weather as flu and COVID symptoms are quite similar,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “Sick people should stay home and get tested for both the flu and COVID-19 to avoid unnecessary transmission of both respiratory diseases.”

Those interested in receiving a flu vaccine through Public Health should register through the Public Health website, though walk-ins are welcome. Those interested in receiving a flu vaccine from their doctor should reach out to their primary care provider for appointment availability.

Public Health has confirmed 12 new positive cases of COVID-19 from test results received from September 30 through October 6. Of these cases, two are nonresidents, four are confirmed as east end residents while six are confirmed as west end residents. As of release time today, there are 13 active cases, all actively contagious residents are currently in isolation.

63-year-old female, nonresident, symptomatic, community
68-year-old male, nonresident, symptomatic, community
59-year-old male, resident, asymptomatic, social
51-year-old female, resident, symptomatic, unknown
75-year-old female, resident, symptomatic, community
15-year-old male, resident, symptomatic, community
11-year-old male, resident, symptomatic, household
32-year-old male, resident, symptomatic, community
51-year-old female, resident, symptomatic, household
10-year-old male, resident, symptomatic, household
40-year-old, female, resident, symptomatic, community
51-year-old, female, resident, symptomatic, community

There have been 1,150 total COVID cases among residents including 132 total breakthrough cases, three new hospitalizations and three COVID-related deaths.

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

Power The Comeback:

Crowded places, covered faces
Get vaccinated
Stay home when sick and get tested