County preparing to begin next phase of vaccinations
Grand County has vaccinated at least 90 people since receiving the first batch of Moderna vaccines on Dec. 22 and is preparing to wrap up the first phase of vaccinations.
In accordance with the state guidelines, the first doses were given to health care workers and assisted living facilities in Phase 1A.
Grand County Public Health received a second batch of 200 doses on Dec. 29. Alexis Kimbrough, deputy director for Grand County Office of Emergency Management, said on Tuesday the county is finishing up vaccinating first responders.
In an effort to streamline vaccines, the county has created an online registration form that anyone can fill out that will go live on Thursday on the county website. The information will help public health figure out how many people are in each phase and schedule vaccinations for them.
The state’s Phase 1B is split into two parts, with the first group being health care workers with less direct contact with COVID-19, such as those in the dental field, first responders and people over 70.
The second group of Phase 1B includes teachers, essential workers, government officials and frontline journalists.
The county has to receive approval from the state to move to the second part of Phase 1B, so there is no timeline for moving to those groups.
Kimbrough urged residents to fill out the registration form and be patient, since no dates are promised.
According to public health, vaccine providers sign an agreement to meet all of the state’s criteria for distribution or risk having shipments of the vaccine stopped.
Each Moderna vial contains 10 doses of the vaccine that must be used within a six hour period in order not to waste any. People with a fever should not be vaccinated and anyone with a history of allergies to vaccines should consult their doctor.
The county’s COVID-19 case rate has been dropping consistently since it peaked around Thanksgiving. On Friday, there were 74 new cases over the past two weeks and three people remained hospitalized.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated with more information from county officials on Jan. 5.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.
Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.
If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.
