San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) is pleased to announce multiple COVID-19 vaccine clinics this Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in La Plata County and this Thursday in Archuleta County. SJBPH has scheduled a convenient line-up of clinics for residents to access the Pfizer vaccine and urges all residents to receive vaccination as soon as possible.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: The New York Times classified risk of COVID infection in Archuleta County as “very high” as of April 26, 2021. See below.]
Walk-ins are welcome at this week’s clinics for those who need extra flexibility. All residents age 16 and up are eligible for vaccine. 16 and 17-year-olds are only eligible for Pfizer vaccine, and a parent or guardian must accompany them to their appointment. SJBPH recommends getting a first dose as soon as possible, as it can take five weeks or more after the 1st dose to reach full protection with the Pfizer vaccine.
“If you’ve been putting off getting vaccinated, now is the time. It’s never been easier or more convenient to get the COVID vaccine,” said SJBPH Executive Director, Liane Jollon. “The summer tourism season is approaching and we still have COVID spreading in the community, primarily in the unvaccinated population. We’ve made good progress so far on vaccine, but for a safe return to normalcy we need a lot more of the community to get vaccinated ASAP. The lifesaving vaccines are highly effective, safe and the best way to protect yourself and your family,” Jollon added.
Upcoming community vaccination clinics:
La Plata County Vaccine Clinic, La Plata County Fairgrounds, Durango, 2500 Main Ave. Tuesday, April 27 from 1:00pm to 7:00pm. Appointments available.
La Plata County Vaccine Clinic, La Plata County Fairgrounds, Durango, 2500 Main Ave. Wednesday, April 28 from 1:00pm to 7:00pm. Appointments available.
Archuleta County Vaccine Clinic, Ross Aragon Community Center, Pagosa Springs, 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Thursday, April 29 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Appointments available.
La Plata County Vaccine Clinic, La Plata County Fairgrounds, Durango, 2500 Main Ave. Friday, April 30 from 1:00pm to 7:00pm. Appointments available.
La Plata County Vaccine Clinic, La Plata County Fairgrounds, Durango, 2500 Main Ave. Saturday, May 1 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments available.
Although vaccination rates still track above state and national averages, SJBPH emphasizes that the next phase in vaccination comes with unique challenges in educating and turning out the population for vaccine. Residents are encouraged to talk to their unvaccinated family and neighbors about vaccines, which are safe and highly effective at preventing severe disease, death, and make it dramatically less likely to get sick with COVID.
Additional information about the COVID vaccine can be found on SJBPH’s website: https://sjbpublichealth.org/covid-19-vaccine/.
Chandler Griffin is Communications Director for San Juan Basin Public Health District. SJBPH is a local public health agency, governed by a seven-member local Board of Health, serving all residents of La Plata and Archuleta counties.