SAN LUIS VALLEY - As of January 11th, more than 2,600 COVID-19 vaccinations were provided in the San Luis Valley. We are still vaccinating high- and moderate-risk healthcare workers, first responders, and those age 70 and above. As more vaccine becomes available, tiers will be expanded to include those 65 and older as mentioned by the Governor in a recent press release. When we have more information, we will be able to provide updates on that.
As a reminder to those who have received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose already, please plan to receive your second dose from the same provider where you received the first one. If you get close to the time when you are due for a second dose and you are not sure when or where to get it, you can contact the provider listed on the vaccination card that was given to you when you received your first dose.
Those who have already been vaccinated are also reminded to continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing. There are two main reasons for this. First, it takes time for the full benefits of the vaccine to kick in. The most commonly used vaccine in our region is from Moderna. Moderna reports a protection rate of 51% two weeks after the first immunization and 94% two weeks after the second dose. The second reason to continue to take other precautionary measures for now is that these vaccines were developed and tested for preventing illness in the vaccine recipient. Studies are still underway to determine how effective vaccines are at preventing the spread of the virus that causes the illness.
San Luis Valley Health’s Respiratory Clinic added a drive through shelter to protect the clinic workers and patients from the weather conditions. Appointments for testing are still required – please do not arrive without being scheduled with the Respiratory Clinic. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call (719) 589-3000 ext 9 to make an appointment.
Adams State will host a free community-wide COVID-19 testing event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, Saturday, Jan.16, and Sunday, Jan. 17. There will be two testing locations: a drive-thru in the McDaniel Hall parking lot and a walk-up site in McDaniel Hall first floor, north hallway. Pre-registration is available: https://www.adams.edu/safe-return/testing/
There are currently 202 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley.
Alamosa County - 92
Conejos County - 18
Costilla County - 6
Mineral County - 2
Rio Grande County - 76
Saguache County - 8
COVID-19 Vaccination Providers - Currently able to serve frontline healthcare workers and first responders, and those age 70 and over:
Rio Grande Hospital - (719) 657-2418
SLV Health - (719) 587-1355 and sanluisvalleyhealth.org
Valley Wide Health Systems - https://vwhs.org/for-patients/coronavirus-updates/ or Facebook
Alamosa County Public Health - (719) 589-6639 and alamosacounty.org
Conejos County Public Health - 719-274-4307 and Facebook
Costilla County Public Health - (719) 672-3332 and Facebook
Silver Thread Public Health - (719) 658-2416 and Facebook
Rio Grande County Public Health - (719) 657-3352
Saguache County Public Health - 719-655-2533 and Facebook
More information about our active case counts, dial status, capacity restrictions at each level, as well as other San Luis Valley COVID information, can be found on the SLV Public Health Partnership website at https://www.slvphp.com/slv-regional-covid-dial/.
RESOURCES
SLV Behavioral Health Group has a new COVID-19 support group “Keeping up with COVID-19” Wednesday Jan 13, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. This FREE and ANONYMOUS group allows discussions regarding COVID-19 questions, concerns, and coping strategies. Via Zoom.
You can find answers to more vaccine questions at https://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine.
Support local businesses. Get more information at https://slvsupportlocal.com/
To pursue testing for COVID-19 through our regular testing providers, or for medical questions, call;
Rio Grande Hospital 719-657-4990
SLVHealth Respiratory Clinic 719-589-3000 ext. 9
Valley-Wide Health Systems 719-589-3658 ext. 4 (M-F), 719-589-2562 (Sa/Su)
The Colorado Spirit Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) offers community-based crisis counseling, help with disaster coping strategies, education, and more. Get information at https://www.slvbhg.org/services-and-programs/coloradospirit/ or call 719-587-5673.
For general (non-medical) SLV COVID-19 related questions: slvepr@alamosacounty.org, 719-480-8719