SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. -- On Wednesday, Summit County Public Health opened registration for COVID-19 vaccinations to those 70 and older.
This follows Governor Jared Polis' announcement that Phase 1B of the state's vaccine distribution plan would be expanded to include those 70 and older in addition to healthcare workers and first responders already being vaccinated.
Summit County Public Health officials said they were readily able to open registration because this week they received more doses of the Moderna vaccine than expected.
“Summit County received several hundred more doses of Moderna vaccine than originally anticipated, and we are happy to be able to offer the opportunity for our residents in one of the highest risk categories to receive the vaccine to protect themselves this week,” said Summit County Public Health Director Amy Wineland.
The Moderna vaccine requires two doses, given about a month apart, to be effective.
In an afternoon news conference, Wineland said they've estimated there are about 3,000 people who are 70 and older living in Summit County.
She added that it will require more shipments to get everyone a vaccine that wants one.
Wineland said that the county currently has 814 doses to begin administering on Thursday. Appointments will prioritized for health care and frontline workers that have not yet been vaccinated, and then those 70 and older.
Those county is offering through the vaccines through a drive-through clinic. They've also partnered with two area pharmacies. Details on how to register can be found here.
