COVID-19 Corona Virus - How You Can Prepare

September 20, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Ashley Sever
Public Affairs Manager, JCPH
720-431-6057
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nikki Work
Sr. Public Affairs Coordinator, Media Lead
720-431-6071
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Southwest Plaza COVID-19 Vaccination Site Expands Capacity
JCPH reminds residents there are many free vaccination sites close to home to receive first, second or third doses

Jefferson County, Colo. — From September 20-30, 2021, the community COVID-19 vaccination site located at Southwest Plaza Mall (8501 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, CO 80123 – Dillard’s Parking Lot) will have expanded capacity to provide up to 1,000 doses of vaccine to help ensure anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can conveniently get one.

“This COVID-19 vaccine location is one of four sites being expanded by our state partners to help ensure convenient access to safe, effective and free COVID-19 vaccines, especially with more and more employers encouraging or requiring vaccines among their workforce,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH). “Additionally, the FDA has already authorized a third dose of mRNA vaccine for immunocompromised individuals, and on September 17 the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted in favor of authorizing a third dose for people 65+ and others at high risk for COVID-19. While we are still waiting for official approval from CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices before we can begin administering a third dose to older adults, we expect to share more information very soon.”

At this point in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, the greatest risk is among unvaccinated people who are much more likely to contract, and therefore transmit, the virus to others. In the past two months in Jeffco, 89.2% of COVID-19 cases and 85.9% of hospitalizations were among unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated individuals. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), based on current risk rates people who are vaccinated are 3.5 times less likely to get COVID-19, 4.7 times less likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 and 5.8 times less likely to die from COVID-19.

JCPH strongly encourages people who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to wear a mask in indoor public spaces until you are fully vaccinated. If you are immunocompromised, it is recommended that you get an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four weeks (28 days) after your second dose.

“At this point in the pandemic, we need to band together as a community. We all have a role to play, and even though we’re exhausted, it’s too important to stop now. If we all do what we can — and show compassion for our friends and neighbors — we can get through this. Have the hard conversations. Talk about vaccines. Talk about prevention strategies. Talk about mental health. Talk about resilience. Jeffco is a great community and has achieved great things in the past because we have united — if we can unite again now, there’s no telling how significant our impact will be,” Comstock said. “We have the ability as a community to end this pandemic. We have the tools in front of us — we just have to use them.”

The community vaccination site at Southwest Plaza Mall is a drive-through clinic and will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Appointments are not required but are recommended, and you can click here to register.

In addition to the Southwest Plaza location, there are many COVID-19 vaccination sites in Jeffco where residents can go to receive their vaccine. All sites offer COVID-19 vaccines for free and no ID or insurance is required. For a complete list of COVID-19 vaccine locations across the county, visit www.jeffco.us/vaccinesignup .

About Jefferson County Public Health
Public health is what we do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit www.jeffco.us/public-health . You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.

From Park County Public Health:

Are you eligible for a COVID19 vaccine booster? Check out the details and these upcoming vaccine clinics in Park County. www.parkco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=729

October 22, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Ashley Sever
Public Affairs Manager, JCPH
720-431-6057
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nikki Wellander
Senior Public Affairs Coordinator, Media Lead
303-431-6071
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CDC Recommends Booster Shots for Recipients of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines

Jefferson County, Colo. —Following approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), boosters are now available for all three COVID-19 vaccines.

“All of the COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe, effective in reducing your risk of being infected with COVID-19, and remarkably effective in reducing your risk of being hospitalized due to or dying from COVID-19,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director at Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH). “Today’s announcement is another step toward strengthening our community’s protection against this deadly virus.”

When you should get a booster depends upon whether you were vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson.

PFIZER

• When:6 months after receiving your last dose
• What:A booster shot, which is a full-dose of the original vaccine
• Who:People with higher risk for COVID-19 infection or serious illness
  65 years and older
  Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
  Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
  Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

A third dose of the Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccine has already been recommended for those with moderately to severely compromised immune systems to improve their immune response to their initial vaccine series.

MODERNA

• When:6 months after receiving your last dose
• What:A booster shot, which is a half-dose of the original vaccine
• Who:People with higher risk for COVID-19 infection or serious illness
  65 years and older
  Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
  Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
  Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

A third dose of the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine has already been recommended for those with moderately to severely compromised immune systems to improve their immune response to their initial vaccine series.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON

• When:2 months after receiving your last dose
• What:A booster shot, which is a full-dose of the original vaccine
• Who:Anyone age 18 and older

In addition, the CDC recommendations allow for “mixing and matching,” meaning individuals have a choice to receive a different vaccine as a booster than what they originally received. More information is expected to be released soon about what cases mixing and matching may be recommended.

“Vaccination against COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community,” Dr. Comstock said. “COVID-19 vaccines are widely available for free at convenient locations across our county. We urge you — if you are not yet vaccinated or haven’t gotten all necessary doses, please do so as soon as possible. No one else needs to become severely ill or die from this virus – we now have the tools necessary to fight back. Jeffco has been a leader here in Colorado in terms of vaccination coverage but that success has now stalled. If you have a loved one or friend who is not yet vaccinated please encourage them to protect themselves by getting vaccinated.”

If you are eligible for a booster, you can access one for free at many locations across the county. To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you, please visit www.jeffco.us/vaccinesignup .

About Jefferson County Public Health
Public health is what we do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit www.jeffco.us/public-health . You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPHand Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.

October 21, 2021
New COVID19 Testing Locations for Weekly Fairplay and Bailey Sites

Park County, Colo. – Beginning tomorrow, Friday Oct. 22, the COVID19 testing site in Fairplay will be held indoors at the Fairplay Community Center, from 10 AM - 1 PM. Appointments are accepted but walk-ins welcome. The testing site offers a reliable PCR test and you get your results within 24-36 hours. Schedule your appointment HERE!

Park County Public Health encourages you to get a test if you believe you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID19 or are experiencing symptoms. Testing is free, fast and available to symptomatic and asymptomatic participants. There are two weekly sites in Park County:

• Mondays - Public Health Bailey Office at 81 Main St Bailey 80421 from 10 AM - 2 PM
• Fridays - Fairplay Community Center, 880 Bogue Street, Fairplay, CO from 10 AM - 1 PM

Please visit the COVID19 Testing Information page for details and registration. If you have questions about your test results, please contact the testing company, Affinity at 888-964-1562. For resources outside Park County, please also visit the State Resource Guide to Testing - including locations, costs, FAQs, etc.

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parkco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=734

Posted on: November 3, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available for Children Ages 5-11


Following approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended children ages 5 to 11 get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. With this announcement, everyone in the Jefferson County community ages 5 and older is eligible to be vaccinated and can help protect themselves and their loved ones against COVID-19.

Based on a robust clinical trial, the FDA found the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children to be safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 and severe illness. The vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 was about 90% effective in preventing COVID-19, and 100% effective at preventing severe disease and death. Further, the vaccine’s safety was studied in approximately 3,100 children ages 5 to 11 who received the vaccine and no serious side effects have been detected in the ongoing study.

“The availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for children is a beacon of hope for our community. After nearly two years of struggling with this virus — and our children facing negative effects to their physical, mental, social and emotional health and development — parents can finally breathe a sigh of relief that their children can now be protected from getting COVID-19 or spreading it to loved ones,” said Dr. Sarah Rowan, Medical Director for Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH). “This vaccine will allow children to more safely attend school, gather with friends and family and enjoy activities away from home without the nagging fear of their kids getting COVID-19.”

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children is a two-dose series given about three weeks (21 days) apart. The vaccine dose for children (10 micrograms) is a third of the vaccine dose used among adults (30 micrograms). Just like teens and adults, children may experience side effects after vaccination. These side effects are normal and show that the body is building an immune response. Most commonly, side effects are mild and can include tiredness, headache, soreness, chills and fever.

In addition, the COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as other immunizations, such as flu or other routine childhood vaccines. Since many parents delayed routine vaccination during the height of the pandemic, the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for children provides an important opportunity to make sure your child is up to date on all necessary vaccines to keep them as protected as possible from easily- and highly-preventable diseases.

“The COVID-19 vaccine has been found to be safe and effective for children ages 5 to 11, and it is an important addition to the childhood vaccination schedule. Just like other vaccines we recommend for children, this vaccine can help keep our kids safe from a disease that can have serious consequences,” Dr. Rowan said. “While children have been less affected by COVID-19 compared with adults, children can get COVID-19, get seriously ill and spread COVID-19 to others. Similar to national and state trends, we’ve recently seen more cases among children in Jeffco.”

With the widespread transmission of the highly infectious Delta variant, cases of COVID-19 among children have increased in the U.S. As of October 2021, there have been more than 3,100 cases of COVID-19 among children ages 5-11 in Jefferson County, more than 39,200 cases among children ages 5-11 in Colorado, and more than 1.9 million cases of COVID-19 among children ages 5-11 in the U.S. With about 480,000 children ages 5-11 in Colorado and about 44,000 children ages 5-11 in Jefferson County, the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for kids is an important step to helping end the pandemic.

“While demand may outpace supply during the early weeks of the availability of the pediatric vaccine, JCPH encourages all our community members to remain patient — the vaccine is here,” Dr. Rowan said. “COVID-19 vaccines can help our children get back to the things they love — and as adults, there’s nothing better than seeing the kids in our community thrive.”

Just like all other COVID-19 vaccines, the vaccine for children ages 5-11 is FREE and no insurance or ID is required. Because the vaccine dose for children is different than the dose for adults, the vaccine will not be available to children at all COVID-19 vaccine locations at this time. To get your child vaccinated against COVID-19, check with your child’s health care provider to see if they are offering the vaccine, visit a JCPH vaccination site offering the vaccine for children or find more ways to get the vaccine for children on our “COVID-19 Vaccines for Children” webpage.

About Jefferson County Public Health
Public health is what we do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit www.jeffco.us/public-health . You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.

From Jeffco Public Health:
Don't forget to tune in tonight to a town hall hosted by @DenverChannel, the Metro Area public health departments and @ImmunizeCO. Local pediatricians, family practitioners & public health experts will be answering questions submitted by the public. Tune in at 6:30 tonight!

From Park County Public Health:

Help stop the spread of COVID19. Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms or think you've been exposed. Testing is available each week on Mondays at the Public Health Bailey Office, 81 Main St Bailey 80421 from 10 AM - 2 PM.
Pre-registration and details: parkco.us/809/Testing-Information

Weekly Testing Sites in Park County

Park County Public Health offers two testing sites per week. Appointments accepted but walk-ins welcome. We offer a reliable PCR test that delivers results within 24-36 hours. Testing is free, fast and available to symptomatic and asymptomatic participants.

Please note, with winter fast approaching, both testing sites have been moved to indoor locations beginning the week of Oct. 18 and until further notice! Please see new locations below.

Mondays - New location: Public Health Bailey Office at 81 Main St Bailey 80421 from 10 AM – 2 PM.
Fridays - New location: Fairplay Community Center, 880 Bogue Street, Fairplay, CO from 10 AM - 1 PM

Schedule your appointment HERE!

Note: If you have questions about your test results, please contact the testing company, Affinity at 888-964-1562. Do not call public health as we do not have access to your results.
Rapid At-Home testing program

Colorado is distributing free rapid COVID-19 over the counter (OTC) self tests directly to people’s homes. The program uses Abbott BinaxNOW™ rapid antigen tests that show results within 15 minutes.

This program has been specifically designed to provide parents, guardians, and caregivers some peace of mind by making it easy to test their children and help keep schools open. (If you are not a parent, guardian, or caregiver, you may also use this program.)

Learn more and sign up for the FREE Rapid At-Home COVID-19 testing program.

COVID-19 Vaccine clinic today in Bailey. Now offering the pediatric Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 - 11. Register to avoid long lines: parkco.us/810/Vaccine-Resources

Jefferson County Board of Health to consider countywide mask mandate, asks Polis for statewide order
By: Blair Miller, Denver Channel 7
Posted at 3:44 PM, Nov 18, 2021

DENVER – The Jefferson County Board of Health could implement an indoor mask requirement as soon as Monday, the board president said Thursday, and sent a letter to Colorado Gov. Jared Polis calling on him to issue a statewide indoor mask requirement or to at least give local health departments the ability to put vaccine passports in place.

The Jefferson County Board of Health’s Thursday letter says it received “extremely disturbing data” Wednesday showing there were 16 Jefferson County residents who died of COVID-19 last week and that the county has averaged more than a death per day since July 9, when the delta variant surge started.

November 23, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Ashley Sever
Public Affairs Manager
720-431-6057
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nikki Work
Sr. Public Affairs Coordinator, Media Lead
720-431-6071
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jefferson County Board of Health Issues Public Health Order Requiring Everyone Ages 3+ to Wear Face Coverings in Indoor Public Spaces in Jefferson County

Jefferson County, Colo. – The Jefferson County Board of Health issued Public Health Order 21-006, which requires all individuals ages 3 and older to wear a mask or cloth face covering when in indoor public spaces in Jefferson County, regardless of vaccination status. The Order is effective November 24, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and shall remain in effect at all times Jefferson County is in Substantial or High Transmission. This decision was made following discussion during a public meeting on November 22 and with extensive input from the community over the last week.

“As cases and hospitalizations have continued to increase sharply at very concerning rates in Jefferson County and across the state, masking indoors is a safe and effective way to reduce the immense stress on our local healthcare system and prevent unnecessary illness, hospitalization and death in our community,” said Lane Drager, Jefferson County Board of Health. “We need community members to pull together and mask up — especially now during the winter months and holiday season when we know residents travel more often, gather with one another and spend more time indoors. Our responsibility as the Board of Health is to protect the health of Jeffco residents, and we are committed to continuing to help lead our community out of this pandemic.”

In Jefferson County, from November 15-21, there have been 2,094 new COVID-19 cases (357.0 per 100,000 residents). From November 2-15, there have been an average of 2.4 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents, and 102 residents are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19. There have been 17 fatalities among Jefferson County residents due to COVID-19 in the last week (November 8-14), and on average, more than 1 death per day among Jefferson County residents since July 9, when cases started increasing. More than 96.2% of ICU hospital beds are in use in the Denver Metro Area.

The CDC recommends masking in indoor public settings in areas where COVID-19 community transmission is substantial or high. Jefferson County remains in CDC’s high transmission category.

“Along with getting a COVID-19 vaccine and getting a booster if you’re eligible, wearing a mask is one of the best things we can do to help get the pandemic under control and to keep each other safe during this continued surge,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, Jefferson County Public Health. “I thank the Board of Health for taking this important action, and I sincerely thank our residents who are already looking out for one another by getting vaccinated and masking up.”

The Order also allows an exception to indoor public masking for employers, owners and operators of businesses or other facilities who voluntarily implement proof of vaccination requirements for all employees, staff, visitors and patrons entering their facility and become an Approved Fully Vaccinated Facility. During a grace period of approximately three weeks (November 24-December 9), JCPH will accept self-certification from a facility and temporarily approve the facility as an Approved Fully Vaccinated Facility. Facilities who wish to self-certify should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with their vaccination policy for employees and patrons. Beginning December 10, facilities must submit an application according to JCPH’s Approved Fully Vaccinated Facility Guidance, which will be released soon. JCPH will release more information on how to become an Approved Fully Vaccinated Facility, including opening a formal application process, in the coming weeks.

Masks are already required in a number of settings, including specific settings per the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Public Health Order 20-38 and on public transportation in the U.S. per federal law. Since Public Health Order 21-006 requires masks in all indoor public spaces, the Board of Health will rescind Jefferson County’s Public Health Order 21-004.

Click here to read the full Public Health Order 21-006. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Order, click here. For more information about masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit www.jeffco.us/4056/Mask-Guidance or covid19.colorado.gov/mask-guidance .

About the Jefferson County Board of Health
The Jefferson County Board of Health members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to make policies and decisions that will help promote health and prevent disease in the county. The board encourages public input into its decision-making process and welcomes community participation at its regular hearings. For more information, visit the Board of Health webpage.

About Jefferson County Public Health
Public health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit www.jeffco.us/public-health . You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.

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www.jeffco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1742

Posted on: December 13, 2021
JCPH Amends Public Health Order 21-002: Order Will Expire End of Fall Semester

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Public Health Order 21-002 has been amended to establish an expiration date of December 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. At that time, the routine COVID-19 testing requirements for schools and childcares will no longer be required. Masks continue to be required for everyone ages 3+ in indoor public spaces, including schools and childcares, per Public Health Order 21-006.

When Public Health Order 21-002 was originally enacted, the COVID-19 vaccine was not available for all children ages 5 and older and the requirements under this Order were necessary to protect children unable to obtain the vaccine and protect in-person learning and childcare. Since, there has been great progress in expanding protection for young children through a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, and free vaccines are now available and easy to get for everyone ages 5 and older. By the time K-12 school resumes in January 2022, every family should have had the opportunity to fully vaccinate their child aged 5 and over.

“We thank schools, childcares and families across the county for working so hard this school year to keep each other healthy. The mitigation strategies under Public Health Order 21-002, along with your efforts, were successful. The 80,000+ Jeffco schoolchildren were able to continue safe in-person learning and in-person extracurricular activities this school year despite high COVID-19 transmission rates in the county these past few months,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, JCPH. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Jeffco schools on ways to continue to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among young people.”

For more information about Local Public Health Orders, please visit: www.jeffco.us/4114/Local-Public-Health-Orders .

www.jeffco.us/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=987