Coloradans age 65 and up now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine

Teachers and child care workers will receive shots soon
Southwest Health System began vaccinating people age 65 and older this week.

As of Monday, Coloradans age 65 and older, along with educators, child care workers and a small number of state government officials are eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

People who fall under the state’s 1B.2 designation can call the Montezuma County Health Department or Southwest Health System to get on their lists. Or residents can sign up online.

Those who want to get their shots need to prove that they fall under the proper designation and confirm their availability for receiving both the first and second shots of the vaccine.

Montezuma County will continue to work on vaccinating those age 70 and older, with the goal of finishing that cohort by the end of February, said county spokeswoman Vicki Shaffer.

As of Tuesday, 3,620 people in Montezuma County received their first shot of the vaccine and 981 received their second dose, completing the vaccination.

Southwest Health System began vaccinating people age 65 and older this week. SHS plans to vaccinate an additional 1,650 people this week.

Educators will receive their vaccines through their school districts. Those who fall under 1B.2 also include school staff such as bus drivers, counselors, administrators and food workers.

According to Shaffer, the county hopes to have all educators vaccinated by the end of the month.

Montezuma County recently moved to the less restrictive Level Yellow category after the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment revamped the COVID-19 Dial last week.

anicotera@the-journal.com