Durango, Colo.: In the absence of comprehensive vaccine distribution plans at the state and national levels, local public health agencies like San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) ensure that vaccine doses travel “the last mile” into arms, both quickly and equitably.

The last mile of vaccine distribution is a difficult one involving a long, complex chain of events. Some vaccine needs ultra-cold storage and shipping, each dose must be tracked, eligible people need to be notified to schedule their shots, and there is a need to observe people for 15 to 30 minutes after each shot — all while physically distancing. Vaccine providers need to increase staff capacity, yet inconsistent allocation and delivery of vaccine from the federal government has made this difficult. SJBPH is addressing some of these challenges and working with local vaccine providers on planning, logistics, staffing, and communications.

When the federal program for vaccinating Long Term Care Facilities was delayed, SJBPH worked with partners Animas Surgical Hospital and Pagosa Springs Medical Center to ensure that the eligible high-risk populations received their vaccinations first. To date, 100% of eligible skilled nursing facilities staff and residents in Archuleta and La Plata counties have been offered their first dose and 71% have received their second dose.

As local hospitals and pharmacies were tasked by the state to provide the bulk of vaccinations to individuals age 70 and older, SJBPH worked with local providers to ensure first responders and healthcare workers received vaccines. In Archuleta and La Plata counties over 90% of highest-risk, frontline health care workers have been offered both doses of the vaccine.

Currently, almost 6.8% of Colorado's total population has been vaccinated, which is higher than the national average of 6.5%. Thanks to the efforts of SJBPH and community partners, vaccination rates for Archuleta and La Plata counties are as follows:

Archuleta County Vaccinations

• Total 1st and 2nd dose vaccinations = 2,701

• Total 1st dose for 65+ population = 1,585

• Total 2nd dose for 65+ population = 437

• Percentage of Archuleta County total population 1st doses received = 19%

• Percentage of Archuleta county 65+ population 1st doses received = 42%

La Plata County Vaccinations

• Total 1st and 2nd dose vaccinations = 7,498

• Total 1st dose for 65+ population = 2,895

• Total 2nd dose for 65+ population = 228

• Percentage of La Plata County total population 1st doses received = 10%

• Percentage of La Plata County 65+ 1st doses received = 29%

(*Vaccine and census data is tracked for the age category of 65+)

As the region completes the first phase of Colorado’s vaccine distribution plan, SJBPH sets its sights on helping enrolled providers and local community points of distribution (PODS) vaccinate individuals age 70 and older and assisting in the next phase of distribution which includes educators, childcare workers, and those over 65 years of age.

“We are moving in the right direction. Our region is ahead of the nation in terms of vaccination,” notes Liane Jollon, SJBPH executive director. “Our case rates are lower than the rest of the country and we have new tools like vaccines and additional testing options. I’m optimistic, but we still have a lot of ground to cover, and we can’t let our guard down,” Jollon said.

As vaccine is being rolled out, SJBPH continues to perform disease control including contact tracing, outbreak investigation, and coordination of COVID-19 testing. Recent modeling data from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) shows “transmission control” measures will have the largest impact on reducing the number of hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 in Colorado over the next three to four months.

“In order to successfully end the pandemic, we need to use every tool at our disposal,” added Jollon, “this means wearing masks, avoiding crowds, and practicing physical distancing until we can get everyone vaccinated.”

For information on COVID-19 vaccines and to sign-up to receive vaccine notifications, please visit: https://sjbpublichealth.org/covid-19-vaccine/.

San Juan Basin Public Health is a local public health agency, governed by a seven-member local Board of Health, serving all residents of La Plata and Archuleta counties. For over 70 years, San Juan Basin Public Health has improved the health and environment of the Southwest Colorado community.

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