Mesa County Begins Administering Third Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

While fewer than half of Mesa County residents are even partially vaccinated, some residents now have the opportunity to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Numbers Aren't Changing

The numbers in Mesa County aren't changing much. According to Mesa County Public Health, 48% of county residents are partially vaccinated and 44% of people in the county are fully vaccinated. MCPH statistics show the percentage of vaccinated individuals grows with age.

Just 28% of residents aged 20-29 are fully vaccinated, and not coincidentally, that group represents the largest number of COVID cases over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, nearly 70% of Mesa County residents age 60 and older have been vaccinated, and represent the smallest number of cases over the past two weeks.

Booster Shots For People With Severely Compromised Immune System

While booster shots for the vaccinated appear to be coming in the months ahead, one group of individuals will have a third vaccine dose available beginning this week in Mesa County. MCPH says people who have a moderately to severely compromised immune system may benefit from an additional vaccine dose.  People who are immunocompromised don't build adequate levels of protection after two vaccine doses. That group of individuals includes people who have:

• Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection.
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress the immune response.

Booster Shots Are Free

Like all COVID-19 vaccinations, these new doses of the vaccine, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, are free and available starting Wednesday (August 18)  at the community vaccination site at 510 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Clinic hours are Wednesday through Friday from 1pm to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.