Vaccine distribution varies by county

Colorado Springs, Colorado — Many News 5 viewers take different approaches to distribution in different counties in southern Colorado as efforts continue to increase the number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 throughout the state. I’m asking why I’m taking it.

The State Department of Health did not mandate a specific uniform distribution process. A general requirement that the county must comply with is to prioritize the earliest vaccination of a group of people, given the shortage of supplies.

In Group 1A, front-line healthcare professionals, nursing homes and senior care facility employees and residents have the highest priority. Many of these individuals received the first dose of two-shot treatment in late December and have since received the required second dose.

As of Friday morning, the El Paso County Public Health and Environment Department reported that both the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and the Moderna vaccine had been vaccinated approximately 25,208 times. Of these, 5,486 doses were the second booster shot.

The first responders, such as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, were given the next highest priority in Group 1B, along with adults over the age of 70.

The state does not expect to extend vaccination to Group 2, which includes people aged 65 and over and front-line workers in key industries, until at least March. Extensive vaccination of all Coloradans is expected in June.

The initial dose of the vaccine was distributed to healthcare providers in late December. The local county began expanding its vaccination distribution to Group 1B this week.

In Pueblo County, the Department of Health hosted a large drive-up vaccination clinic. Qualified people were able to receive their first shot from inside the car.

El Paso County has chosen to expand its distribution through the following groups: Partner Healthcare Institution All were approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for vaccination.

These healthcare providers include UC Health, Centura Health, Kaiser Permanente, Matthews-Vu Medical Group, Optum & Mountain View Medical Group, and Peak Vista Community Health Center.

“This is a multiplier of power in our community and our efforts,” explained Lisa Powell, El Paso County Public Health Emergency Response and Response Program Manager. “If the health department had to do just this job, it would certainly be very difficult.”

The vaccine is free. However, healthcare providers can charge up to $ 23 for managing shots. As a result, your healthcare provider may request health insurance information when you make an appointment. The Department of Health and Human Services will refund health care providers for vaccinations of uninsured patients.

Powell believes that the El Paso County system is faster and more equitable.

“We are actually delivering vaccines in a faster and fairer approach,” she said.

You do not have to be a regular patient with any of the six healthcare partners to receive the vaccine. Powell also said that county residence was not required.

However, Dr. Richard Vu of Matthews-Vu said it would be easier to schedule an appointment with a regular patient because he already had contact information and medical history. His practice is currently working to organize a public clinic for Group 1B individuals who are not regular patients.

Both UC Health And Centura Health Groups over the age of 70 are encouraged to use the Patient Registration website to schedule appointments. However, a UC Health spokeswoman said internet access could be a barrier for some patients. As a result, they are actively hiring 36 people to staff the telephone bank so that they can also provide a vaccine hotline.