Happy New Year! I am back in the office and looking forward to seeing you again. My receptionist Kiva and I are receiving our first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine this week. I do recommend this vaccine for everyone this year, not only to keep you and your family healthy but to shorten the duration of the pandemic for everyone. I understand that some of you see me because you do not feel comfortable with vaccines. Please schedule a short phone consult if you have concerns that you would like to discuss.
There are some special considerations regarding this vaccine. For those who have an autoimmune condition such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus or Multiple Sclerosis and are taking a biologic medication, please consult with your rheumatologist or neurologist before receiving the vaccine. If you have a history of anaphylactic (life threatening) allergic reactions, please consult with me or your primary doctor before receiving the vaccine.
If you are a health care provider or work in a health care or long term care facility, likely you have already been contacted to schedule your vaccine. The next group who are eligible to receive the vaccine (Group 1B) will include health care workers who have less direct contact with Covid-19 patients (home health, hospice, pharmacy, dental), firefighters, EMS, police, correctional workers, funeral services, people aged 70 and older, frontline essential workers in education, food, manufacturing, agriculture, U.S. Postal Service, public transit, grocery, public health, those serving the homeless, essential officials in state government and essential frontline journalists. I know that many of you fall into this 1B category. Opportunities for this group to be vaccinated will soon be publicized but you may also register in advance at the following sites: Once you register, you will then be contacted for a vaccine appointment by your public health department.
For Ouray County 1B: https://ouraycountyco.gov/399/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information
For Montrose County 1B: https://www.montrosecountyjic.com/vaccination/
Stay tuned for more important vaccine information as this moves forward!