Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH) has been preparing for another active respiratory illness season, and is excited to announce that the new COVID-19 vaccine, updated to address thelatest variants, is now in stock.

“Chaffee County Public Health is excited to offer this important vaccine to the public, and encourage all who are eligible to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine,” said Chaffee County Public Health Director Andrea Carlstrom. “We have provided several avenues for obtaining the vaccine, and hope that the vaccination of our community results in  fewer cases of severe illness, fewer hospitalizations, and ultimately contributes to as healthy a respiratory season asto as healthy a respiratory season as is possible.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been updated with this formula to more closely target currently circulating variants and provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.

What you need to know about the updated COVID-19 vaccines:

• Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or two doses of the updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
• Previously vaccinated individuals ages six months through four years of age are eligible to receive one or two doses of the updated Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. Timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received.
• Individuals ages five to11 years of age regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated Modera or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. If previously vaccinated, the dose is administered at least two months after the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
• Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated approved Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. If previously vaccinated, the dose is administered at least two months after the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
• Additional Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19  doses are authorized for any immunocompromised individuals, at least two months after your last COVID-19 vaccine.

CCPH has also pushed out messaging through social media and traditional media outlets to inform the county that it has now received the vaccine, and  is able to start vaccinating the public with the new formula vaccine.

Where to get vaccinated: CCPH will offer both the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the Embracing Aging Expo on September 13 and are holding two mass vaccination clinics.  In addition, members of the public can access these vaccines through CCPH’s ongoing clinics.

Special clinics – No Appointments Needed 
September 13- Embracing Aging Expo- 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Chaffee County Fairgrounds
October 16- Mass Vaccination Clinic- 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Touber Building, Salida
October 23- Mass Vaccination Clinic- 12:00-5:00 p.m., Community Center, Buena Vista
Weekly Clinics
Mondays- Walk-In Clinic- 12:00 -4:00 p.m., Touber Building Salida (no appointment needed)
Tuesdays- Walk-In Clinic- 12:00-4:00 p.m., 112 Linderman Ave, Buena Vista (appointment required for vaccines other than COVID-19 and flu)
Tuesdays- Regular Clinic- 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Touber Building, Salida (by appointment)
Thursdays- Regular Clinic- 2:00-5:00 p.m., Touber Building, Salida (by appointment)
Fridays- Regular Clinic- 9:00 a.m.-12:00p.m., Touber Building, Salida (by appointment)

To make an appointment at CCPH, call 719-539-4510 during business hours.  CCPH also offers the RSV vaccine by appointment.
COVID-19 and flu vaccines are also available through pharmacies and other healthcare providers throughout the county.

Other ways to protect yourself and others this respiratory illness season:

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your face.
• Social Responsibility: Stay home if you’re sick and minimize close contact with others to prevent the spread of illness.  Isolation is no longer required in most COVID-19 cases. However, staying at home and away from others until you are fever free without fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours and experiencing improved symptoms is recommended for COVID-19 and most viruses at a minimum.  Health care employees may be required to stay home for longer periods of time than the general public.
• Monitor Symptoms: Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms such as persistent high fever (above 102°F), chest pain, confusion, or difficulty breathing.  Contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your symptoms, especially if you have underlying health conditions or if symptoms do not improve.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with CCPH for the latest guidance on respiratory illnesses.  CCPH will be updating its social media platforms and local media outlets with advertisements, press releases and public service announcements, and other outreach strategies throughout the next few months.