DIRECTORS' CORNER

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now approved COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for children aged 12-15. This announcement, made Jan. 5, 2022, comes following the Dec. 9 recommendation that adolescents ages 16 and 17 receive a booster dose. Now, COVID-19 booster doses are available for all people in our community ages 12 and up. COVID-19 vaccination — including boosters — remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19.

In addition to extending the age range eligible for booster doses, CDC also has shortened the time frame in which individuals must wait after finishing their initial vaccine series from 6 to 5 months. This means the booster is now available to individuals 5 months after completing their primary Pfizer vaccine series. In addition, CDC has updated the recommended time frame for the Moderna vaccine from 6 to 5 months. The time recommendations for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (2 months) has not changed.

The bottom line is this — vaccination works, and vaccines + boosters work even better. This announcement from the CDC could not have come at a better time. As our community is nearing the peak of infections from the omicron variant, we all needed a little hope — and a lot of science — to help us get through. That hope has come in the form of expanded booster eligibility. There are many COVID-19 vaccination sites in Jeffco where residents can go to receive their vaccine — including both their initial series and their booster. All sites offer COVID-19 vaccines for free and no ID or insurance is required. For a complete list of COVID-19 vaccine locations across the county, including what ages they serve, visit www.jeffco.us/vaccinesignup.

Together,
Dr. Dawn Comstock
Executive Director
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Support Boulder – Help Victims of Marshall Fire

Following the devastating fires, it's time for Coloradans to show how strong we can be — together. If you are interested in helping, learn how you can donate or volunteer to help families affected by the Marshall Fire.

National Radon Action Month

January is National Radon Action Month, and Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is encouraging residents to protect themselves and loved ones from dangerous radon gas by testing their homes. To help, JCPH is offering 1,200 free radon test kits during the month of January (while supplies last, one per address and on a first come-first served basis) to Jefferson County residents. JCPH will be mailing the test kits to residents. As such, kits are NOT available at any JCPH locations. To sign up to receive your kit, please visit Radon Kit Request (jeffco.us) and fill out the form in its entirety. Due to production delays, kits will be mailed in March and should arrive in April.

For more information, see the full release on Radon Action Month.

Cervical Health Month

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month! Help spread the word: Getting the HPV vaccine as a preteen is one of the best things young people can do to prevent HPV and certain cancers, including cervical cancer, when they grow up. Learn more at www.hpvfreeco.org.

Learn About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Ages 5-11

Kids should get to be kids, and that means being able to safely attend school, play with friends, participate in sports and enjoy other activities away from home. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine for your child can help keep them safe and can give you peace of mind that they are protected for whatever special moments life brings. Learn how at www.COVIDFreeKids.org.

DATA ROUNDUP: COVID-19 Case Summary

4,541 Jeffco hospitalizations, 1,208 deaths in Jeffco

850,711 vaccines distributed in Jefferson County

As we work to lessen the spread of COVID-19 in Jefferson County, you can stay up to date on COVID-19 data. Click here for a summary at the state level. Click here for our newly updated data dashboard with information on COVID-19 in Jefferson County.

GET INVOLVED

Talk with Teens about Boundaries

While testing limits is normal teenage behavior, teenagers are safer and happier when they have clear boundaries and family rules. By setting and agreeing on boundaries together, you create a clear understanding of expected behavior, which can help avoid conflict. Talk to your teen about your family’s rules and their own personal boundaries by asking a question that is hard to answer with one word. Here’s an idea: “I’d like to make sure we are both clear on boundaries and consequences. When can we have that conversation-- and what would you like to discuss?”

Learn more about talking to your teen,www.twelvetalks.com/boundaries.

PARTNER PROFILE

Centura Health — St. Anthony Hospital & SCL Health Lutheran Medical Center

Throughout the last 2 years, we’ve seen the toll COVID-19 has taken on us individually and as a community. Our incredible healthcare workers have been showing up each day caring for our Jeffco community. This month we want to highlight our partners at Centura Health — St. Anthony Hospital and SCL Health Lutheran Medical Center. These two hospitals have served Jefferson County residents since long before the pandemic, and they have continued to provide vital, lifesaving care for all throughout the pandemic. Now more than ever, our hospitals are under strain, as the Omicron variant spreads throughout our community. Let’s remember to care for one another by taking precautions with COVID-19, which will also protect our healthcare workers. Thanks for all you do!

Join the conversation! Follow Jefferson County Public Health on Facebook at @jeffcopublichealth and on Twitter and Instagram at @jeffcoph. Visit our website at www.jeffco.us/public-health.

January 2022 // Volume 4, Issue 1