COVID-19 HHRC Update: Vaccine is Here, Holiday Celebration Reminders
December 22, 2020
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
COVID Vaccine is Here
The Moderna vaccine arrived in Grand County this afternoon. However, there is a very limited supply and priority for vaccinations has been predetermined by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP/CDC) and Governor Polis’ Office. Over the next 2-4 weeks, we are targeting Phase 1A populations, healthcare workers who are exposed regularly to COVID-19 positive patients, EMS, Cliffview Assisted Living Facility residents and staff, as well as Grand County Senior Housing residents. Once Phase 1A populations are vaccinated, we will begin to move into Phase 1B, 1C, 2, and 3. This is real-time response and subject to change based on scientific data and safety studies. We do not have specific dates for when Phase 1B, or any other phase, will be available. We have provided a general timeframe, but all operations are dependent on the availability and delivery of the vaccine. We will update the public when more information becomes available.
In general, if you have questions regarding whether or not you should take the vaccine, please call your Primary Care Provider. A physician or practitioner can counsel you on the benefits and risks associated with receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to any other vaccines, please speak with your Primary Care Provider before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Public Health cannot make a recommendation as to whether or not you should take the vaccine.
While the speed of vaccine development is unprecedented, all steps to ensure the safety of the vaccine development have been taken, like all other vaccines. The vaccine will not give you the SARS Co-V2 illness, and it is shown to be 94-95% effective at preventing SARS Co-V2 infection following the 2nd dose.
Holiday Celebration Reminders
Christmas is only a few days away, so we ask that you please remember these holiday celebration reminders from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment…
Top 3 Things to Remember
- Only interact in-person with people from your household (defined as those who normally live and sleep under the same roof).
- Refrain from traveling. Celebrate virtually with the people who don’t live with you.
- Avoid crowded stores. Shop for gifts online and have them delivered or pick them up curbside. Find local Colorado businesses to support via the #ShopLocalColorado campaign. Wear a mask and keep your distance whenever you do leave your home.
Holiday Celebration Ideas
- Cooking, eating, decorating, and exchanging gifts with members of your immediate household.
- Sledding or other outdoor activities in your local community with members of your immediate household.
- Hosting a virtual caroling party over video chat.
- Writing holiday cards to friends and family.
- Video chatting or talking on the phone with friends and family who don’t live with you.
- Exchanging photos of your holiday decorations, dishes, and outfits with friends and family via text message or email.
- Simultaneously watching your favorite holiday movie with family and friends in other households over video chat.
- Live-streaming a ceremony held by your faith group.
- Watching the ball drop on TV on New Year’s Eve.
- Cooking and baking treats for your neighbors, friends, and family, then delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve face-to-face contact.
- Mailing or delivering gifts to your neighbors, friends, and family in a way that doesn’t involve face-to-face contact (just like Santa). You can video chat with them later as they open their presents and watch their faces light up in real time.
Myth #1
“Getting a negative COVID-19 test means I can go ahead with my normal holiday plans.”
Reality
A negative test does not necessarily mean that you are free of COVID-19. Your sample may have been collected too early in your infection for COVID-19 to be detectable. Additionally, tests, especially rapid tests, are not perfect — they may miss the virus in some infected people. It’s also possible that you could contract COVID-19 in between getting tested and arriving at your destination, and then spread the virus to friends or family members, who could then get very sick or die.
Myth #2
“I had COVID-19 earlier in the year, so I can go ahead with my normal holiday plans.”
Reality
Reinfection with COVID-19 is rare, but it has been shown to happen. Even if you already had COVID-19, there is no way to guarantee you won’t get it again and spread it to your friends and family at a holiday gathering.
Myth #3
“I’m young, so getting COVID-19 is no big deal.”
Reality
Even young, healthy people can get very sick or die of COVID-19. Young, healthy people can also spread the virus to their higher-risk friends and relatives. It’s important to think not only of yourself, but of every person you’ll be in contact with this holiday season when assessing the risk of COVID-19.
