SAN LUIS VALLEY — People aged 12 and above are now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Pfizer is used for those 12-17, while all three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) can be used for adults. Minors under the age of 18 who wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will need parental consent. 

Parents do not need to be present for the vaccination as long as consent is documented, but they should check with the vaccine provider to confirm. 

A third of the total San Luis Valley population has been vaccinated — 15,385 people — and around 41% of those age 16 and up. There is no cost to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 infections continue to increase in the San Luis Valley and are adding stress to the local health care system. 

New cases are generally younger than earlier in the pandemic. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 are also high. There are currently 189 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley. Active case counts and other data are being updated Monday through Friday at www.slvphp.com/slv-regional-covid-dial. 

• Alamosa County - 107
• Conejos County - 54
• Costilla County - 6
• Mineral County - 0
• Rio Grande County - 8
• Saguache County - 14

Families who have lost a loved one to COVID-19 may apply for financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. A scam alert has been issued to make the public aware that FEMA will not call to reach out and register people for this program. You must initiate the application yourself by calling the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number at 1-844-684-6333 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. The application is easy and those who answer the assistance line will help you through the process. 

WHERE TO GET A VACCINE

See www.slvphp.com to sign up online with one of our local vaccine providers (hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and public health agencies). Special opportunities coming up in various locations are listed below: 

• Friday, May 14 in Del Norte: Mobile vaccine bus offering Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccine from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Rio Grande County Courthouse. Register at delnorte-514.youcanbook.me. Walk-ups are also accepted. Moderna vaccination is also available at the Del Norte Annex. Walk-ups accepted and no appointment needed.
• Friday, May 14 in La Jara: Mobile vaccine van will offer Johnson and Johnson vaccine from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish Catholic Church in Capulin, and from 2-6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Walk-up-drive-up only, no appointments needed.
• Saturday, May 15 in Fort Garland: Mobile vaccine van will offer Johnson and Johnson vaccine from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Fort Garland Visitor’s Center. Walk-up-drive-up only, no appointments needed.
• Sunday, May 16 in San Luis: Mobile vaccine van will offer Johnson and Johnson vaccine from 1-6 p.m. at the Community Park in San Luis. Walk-up-drive-up only, no appointments needed. 

TESTING

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call to be screened for testing. 

• Rio Grande Hospital at 719-657-4990
• SLV Health Respiratory Clinic at 719-589-3000 ext. 9 
• Valley-Wide Health Systems at 719-589-3658 ext. 4 (Monday-Friday), 719-589-2562 (Saturday and Sunday)