COVID-19 Vaccine Approved, Public Health Prepares for Respiratory Illness Season

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a COVID-19 vaccine for the coming respiratory illness season. Studies suggest that the vaccine is a good match for protecting against the currently circulating COVID-19 variants. It is approved for ages six months and older.

This vaccine will be available at Mesa County Public Health within 2 weeks. We will notify the community and start scheduling appointments as soon as our order is confirmed.

“COVID-19 is going to be with us moving forward as a community. We encourage everyone who is eligible to consider getting vaccinated. It is our best tool to prevent the most severe outcomes from COVID-19,” said Clinical Services Manager, Allison Sanchez.

Other respiratory illnesses

COVID-19 will circulate at the same time as other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV.

"We’re entering another cold-and-flu season with COVID-19, flu, and RSV circulating at the same time, and we have already seen an increase in new COVID-19 cases. We’re also anticipating another year with a large number of RSV cases,” said Rachel Burmeister, Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response Manager.

Prevention encouraged
There are habits for limiting the impacts of these respiratory viruses:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Disinfect surfaces you frequently touch at home and work – like door knobs and light switches.
• Stay up to date on vaccines.

Burmeister continued, “We want to be mindful of our youngest, oldest, and immunocompromised community members who may have worse outcomes from these illnesses. Prevention really matters.”

Support from Mesa County Public Health

Vaccine services will be available at the Public Health Clinic.

COVID-19

• The Public Health Clinic will no longer administer the bivalent Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters, as mandated by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Community members will receive the new COVID-19 vaccine.

Flu 

• Scheduling patients for flu vaccine appointments next week. 
• Drive-Through Flu Vaccine Events are scheduled for October 7th and 21st from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

RSV 

• We recommend community members age 60 and older speak to their primary care provider.
• The RSV vaccine will be available at local pharmacies.
• The Public Health Clinic will have limited doses.

The community can view data trends for local respiratory illnesses on our website starting October 2 on the What’s Going Around webpage.

The Public Health Info Line is available to answer questions about where to receive services. Call 970-248-6900 during our operating hours.