Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine distribution in Mesa County:

What distribution phase are we in and when will the next phase begin?

Mesa County Public Health continues to prioritize vaccinations for the highest risk health care workers in phase 1A. Vaccines will be offered for moderate-risk health care workers and first responders in phase 1B as supplies allow. Timelines for phases are based on population estimates and the amount of available vaccines. Phase 2 is expected to begin this spring.

What groups are in which phase?

Phase 1A (winter) includes the highest-risk health care workers and others who have direct contact with COVID-19 patients for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period as well as long-term care facility staff and residents.

Phase 1B (winter) includes Coloradans age 70 and older, moderate-risk health care workers, first responders, front line essential workers and those working to ensure the continuity of state government.

Phase 2 (spring) includes higher-risk individuals age 65 to 69 as well as people age 16 to 64 with obesity, diabetes, chronic lung disease, significant heart disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer or who are immunocompromised. The phase also includes other essential workers and those involved in the continuity of local government.

Phase 3 (summer) includes anyone age 16 to 64 without high-risk conditions.

When will vaccinations for the majority of the population begin?

The speed at which we move through the phases will depend on the supply of vaccines. We expect the supply to increase and are prepared to increase the number of vaccines administered in Mesa County.

Will I need an appointment to get the vaccine?

Because of the type of vaccine and considerations involving storage and administration, Mesa County Public Health requires appointments to ensure no doses go to waste. We’re notifying groups in the current phase when they’re eligible to sign up and provide registration information.

How many COVID-19 vaccinations is each person given?

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses. The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses 21 days apart, while the Moderna vaccine requires two doses 28 days apart. COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable. The second dose of any COVID-19 vaccine must be completed with the same vaccine as the first dose. 

Will Mesa County receive enough doses to vaccinate everyone?

Yes. We’ll receive regular allotments from the state. We expect it will take several months before everyone who wants a vaccination one can get one because of limited availability. 

Do I still need to take other precautions?

Until the vaccine is widely available and used, it’s important to take precautions to slow the spread of the virus, including wearing masks and practicing physical distancing.

 Is there anyone who shouldn’t get a vaccine?

Safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials are still needed before vaccines will be available for teen-agers and children under 16.

Do I need to be tested for COVI-19 before getting the vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control doesn’t recommend getting tested to determine if you’re infected before getting the vaccine. If you don’t have any symptoms or recently been exposed to COVID-19, there’s no need to get a test before deciding whether or not to get vaccinated.

Can I get COVID-19 from a vaccine?

A COVID-19 vaccine protects you against the disease without getting sick from the actual virus. It’s not possible to get COVID-19 from a vaccine. But it is possible to experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19. The vaccines use an inactivated virus, parts of the virus or a gene from the virus. None of these can cause COVID-19.

Does it cost anything to get a vaccine?

No. Medicare, Medicaid, CHP+ and private insurance are required to cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccines. Uninsured residents will have access to free vaccines.

Does this vaccine help with other COVID-19 strains?

While there are several known variants of COVID-19, evidence suggests the vaccine will protect against all of them.

 I’ve had COVID-19. Should I still get the vaccine?

Data from clinical trials suggest the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective in people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 infections. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends waiting at least 90 days after recovering from COVID-19 before getting vaccinated. It’s unknown how long natural immunity lasts after recovering from COVID-19. Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 might not last very long, and cases of reinfection have been reported. 

Is the vaccine required?

No, vaccination is voluntary.

What are the side effects of getting the vaccine?

Most people who received vaccines in clinical trials experienced mild to moderate side effects that typically went away after a few days. The most commonly reported side effects for the vaccines were pain, swelling and redness at the injection site; pain, tenderness and swelling of the lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection; fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, nausea/vomiting, and fever for a few days after receiving the vaccine, with more pronounced discomfort after the second dose. The frequency and severity of side effects could vary between the two vaccines. Different people could experience different side effects, even if they receive the same vaccine.