Chaffee County Public Health receives updated COVID-19 vaccine

Chaffee County Public Health announced Sept. 12 the new COVID-19 vaccine is now in stock.  

In a press release the department said the Food and Drug Administration approved and granted emergency use authorization for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to include a 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. 

Chaffee County Public Health Director Andrea Carlstrom said, “Chaffee County Public Health is excited to offer this important vaccine to the public and encourages all who are eligible to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. 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 as is possible.”

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

• Unvaccinated children ages 6 months through 4 years 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 children ages 6 months through 4 years 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.

• Children ages 5-1, 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 ages 12 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 their last COVID-19 vaccine.  

CCPH has also sent 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 Sept. 13 Embracing Aging Expo and will host two mass vaccination clinics. In addition, members of the public can access the vaccines through CCPH’s ongoing clinics.

Special clinics – no appointments needed:

• Sept. 13 – Embracing Aging Expo, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Chaffee County Fairgrounds.

• Oct. 16 – Mass Vaccination Clinic, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Touber Building, Salida. 

• Oct. 23 – Mass Vaccination Clinic, noon-5 p.m., Community Center, Buena Vista. 

Weekly clinics: 

• Mondays: Walk-In Clinic, noon-4 p.m., Touber Building, Salida (no appointment needed).

• Tuesdays: Walk-In Clinic, noon-4 p.m., 112 Linderman Ave., Buena Vista (appointment required for vaccines other than COVID-19 and flu).

• Tuesdays: Regular Clinic, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Touber Building, Salida (by appointment).

• Thursdays: Regular Clinic, 2-5 p.m., Touber Building, Salida (by appointment).

• Fridays: Regular Clinic, 9 a.m.-noon, 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.