With the return to school, children and youth have been an increasingly large portion of COVID-19 cases.

According to the SLV regional epidemiology team, 40% of new cases between September 12th and September 19th were under the age of 19. 

There are currently 148 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley.

  • Alamosa County – 32
  • Conejos County – 23
  • Costilla County – 22
  • Mineral County – 4
  • Rio Grande County – 46
  • Saguache County – 21

People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may not have as robust a response to vaccines as others, so it is highly recommended they get a 3rd dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Third doses are different from booster shots for the general public, which have not yet started. Booster shots, which are administered after a longer period of time following regular doses, have been under discussion at the federal level, and there are more decisions to be made before vaccine providers can start giving booster shots. 

Pfizer announced that Phase 2 trials for children ages 5 to 11 showed good results in safety and effectiveness for their COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer plans to seek authorization from the FDA for the vaccine to be used for this age group, just as they did for adults and then for teens. 

Vaccines are about reducing risk and balancing the risk of illness against the risk of a vaccine. Some parents have been concerned about myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, which has been reported in some cases after vaccination, especially for male teens and young men. Most patients who received care for myocarditis after vaccination have recovered quickly. CDC and its partners are actively monitoring reports of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination. The known risks of COVID-19 illness and its related, possibly severe complications, such as long-term health problems, hospitalization, and even death, far outweigh the potential risks of having a rare adverse reaction to vaccination, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis.

TESTING

COVID-Check Colorado offers free testing on the Adams State University campus for students, staff and community members Monday through Thursday, 7am to 6pm in the lobby of Conour Hall. Please fill out the registration form ahead of time at adams.edu/safe-return.You may also register at the testing site.

Free COVID-19 testing is available to the public through mobile clinics on the dates and locations listed below. Register when you arrive, or register online in advance at affinityecarecolorado.com.

  • Tuesdays, 10am-2pm at Rio Grande County Social Services, 1015 6th St in Del Norte
  • Wednesdays, 3pm-7pm at the Community Center in Saguache
  • Wednesdays, 10:30-1:30 at the Safeway in Monte Vista
  • Thursdays, 10am-2pm at La Jara Town Hall, 210 Broadway St in La Jara
  • Friday, 10/1/2021, 9am-11am at Antonito Town Hall

To be screened for testing for COVID-19 through local testing providers call:

VACCINATION

To find local vaccine providers, please see slvphp.com/vaccination or call 719-480-8719. Most local providers offer confidential appointments, and some may accommodate walk-ins. 

Mobile clinics for Pfizer and J&J vaccines will be held as listed below. Registration is encouraged but not required at mobilevax.us/southwest

  • Alamosa, SLV Early Childhood Council, 401 Santa Fe Ave, Sept 21,  12pm-7pm
  • La Jara Family Dollar, Wednesday September 22, 11am-7pm
  • Hooper, Hooper Junction Store across from the Post Office, September 23, 9am-12pm
  • Alamosa, Boyd Park, 410 12th St, September 23, 2pm-7pm
  • Antonito, parking lot at 310 Main St, Friday September 24, 10am-6pm
  • Alamosa, ASU Plachy Hall parking lot, September 28, 1pm-7pm

Valley-Wide Health Systems offers Moderna and J&J vaccines every Friday, 10am-2pm at the ASU Neilson Library parking lot in Alamosa. Walk-ins are accepted, or call 719-587-9610 to schedule.