San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) is pleased to announce COVID vaccine appointments are available for 12 to 15-year-olds in La Plata and Archuleta counties starting tomorrow, Thursday, May 13. The public can now begin making appointments for 12 to 15-year-olds for Thursday or a later date. Federal and state authorities are expected to give final approval to begin administering the vaccine tomorrow.
Youth ages 12 through 17 are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine only. It is important that residents verify the Pfizer vaccine is being offered when signing up minors for COVID vaccine appointments or walking into a clinic.
“The eligibility of 12 to 15-year-olds for COVID vaccine is a really positive step for our community. We hope that parents and youth will jump on this opportunity right away,” said Liane Jollon, SJBPH Executive Director. “Getting our youth vaccinated will help ensure in-person learning is here to stay and will protect them in their extracurriculars, sports, summer camps, and day-to-day lives. Minors are only eligible for Pfizer and we’ve been preparing for this moment by ordering extra Pfizer doses and coordinating a range of clinics and providers across the region to help get kids vaccinated as soon as possible,” Jollon added.
While schools have done an impressive job limiting spread of the virus within the classroom setting, ensuring safety in activities outside of school has been a challenge throughout the pandemic. Young people have been tremendously resilient over the past year in the face of obstacles and changes to their daily lives. The expanded vaccine eligibility for youth is a positive development and will help keep young people and their families safe and limit community spread of the virus.
Upcoming community vaccination clinics in La Plata and Archuleta counties offering Pfizer vaccine Thursday (5/13) and Saturday (5/15):
- Thursday, May 13 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Pagosa Springs Community Center, Pagosa Springs, 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Pfizer. <strong>Appointments available.
- Thursday, May 13 from 10:00 am – 6:30 pm. La Plata County Fairgrounds, Durango, 2500 Main Ave. Pfizer. <strong>Appointments available.
- Saturday, May 15 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Fort Lewis College Student Life Center, Durango, 1000 Rim Dr. Pfizer. Appointments available.
Although advance registration is strongly encouraged, walk-ins are also welcome (supply permitting) at upcoming clinics. The vaccine is free, no ID is required. SJBPH urges families to make appointments as soon as possible since it can take five or more weeks from the date of the first dose of Pfizer to reach full immunity. Vaccine supply may be limited. If clinics are full, residents are encouraged to check with other providers and continue to look for availability on the SJBPH website.
It is critical that all residents and youth finish their vaccination series and receive both doses if receiving a two-shot vaccine. Anyone who is overdue for their second dose should find a clinic that matches their original vaccine type, sign up for an appointment, and bring their vaccination record card. Studies have shown completing the two-dose regimen is the best way to ensure protection against COVID-19 and especially its variants. SJBPH urges those who are not yet fully vaccinated to continue to follow public health precautions such as wearing a properly fitted mask in public indoor settings.
Additional information about the COVID vaccine, and links to make appointments from other vaccine providers offering Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer clinics, can be found on SJBPH’s website: https://sjbpublichealth.org/covid-19-vaccine/.