COVID-19 cases have decreased in the San Luis Valley over the past 3 weeks from the equivalent of Level Red to Level Yellow.

However, hospitalizations are still extremely high. Hospital admissions for COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley broke previous records for the last two weeks in a row. Hospitals in almost every region of the state are currently pushing the limits of their capacity and patient transfers between hospitals have been very difficult. SLV Health Regional Medical Center shared this week that of the 38 COVID-19 patients admitted to their facility in August and September, 34 were unvaccinated, 2 were partially vaccinated, and 4 were fully vaccinated.

Public Health continues to strongly encourage vaccination as the best way to fight the worst effects of the pandemic. Public health agencies are offering vaccinations by appointment. 

The CDC updated authorization for boosters last week. Individuals who received their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine more than 6 months ago may get a booster if they are over age 65; residing in a long term care facility; age 18-64 with underlying health conditions; or age 18-64 with high risk of exposure at work, including  first responders and those who work in healthcare, education, agriculture, corrections, grocery stores, and postal workers. The new guidelines do not require the booster shot to be from the same manufacturer as the original vaccine doses.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients  are recommended to get a booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine if their original dose was more than 2 months ago. Additional populations may be recommended to receive a booster shot as more data become available. 

There are currently 172 known active cases of COVID-19 in the SLV. 

  • Alamosa County – 70
  • Conejos County – 27
  • Costilla County – 13
  • Mineral County – 2
  • Rio Grande County – 43
  • Saguache County – 17

VACCINATION EVENTS

  • Valley-Wide Health Systems will offer 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.
  • Mobile clinics for COVID-19 vaccines will be held as listed below. Registration is encouraged but not required at https://www.mobilevax.us/southwest
    • Monte Vista Farmer’s Market (946-998 US Hwy 160, Monte Vista).  Friday October 29, 11 am – 6 pm.
    • Alamosa – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Saturday October 30, 2pm-7pm
    • Antonito – Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Sunday October 31,  8:30am-3:00pm

For information about more vaccination locations, local data updates and more, see www.slvphp.com or call 719-480-8719.