SAN LUIS VALLEY– The FDA announced Monday that it has granted full approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use by those age 16 and older.

The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) that was issued for Pfizer last December was based on safety and effectiveness data from a scientifically rigorous ongoing clinical trial of thousands of individuals. Since then, the trial has continued and the FDA’s approval this week was based on data that has followed thousands of participants for 6 months or longer.  

It is reasonable to expect more FDA approvals in the future as this process is followed for other vaccines and age groups. The majority of the vaccine recipients in the San Luis Valley have received the Moderna vaccine, which currently has an EUA and continues to be very effective against COVID-19.

An EUA is also in place authorizing the use of Pfizer vaccine for teens ages 12 and up. In order to minimize school disruptions and keep kids in school, local public health authorities strongly advise vaccination for school children who currently qualify, and the use of masks indoors in public spaces. 

A total of 20,621 San Luis Valley residents have been fully vaccinated, and another 1,982 have had their first dose of a two-dose vaccine. For more information on where to get your vaccine, see www.slvphp.com/vaccination or call 719-480-8719. Vaccine clinics coming up: 

SAN LUIS - Centennial School, August 25, 3pm-7pm, gift cards for participants

BLANCA - Sierra Grande School, August 26, 3pm-7pm, gift cards for participants

DEL NORTE - Simple Foods, August 26, 2021, 10am - 6pm

MONTE VISTA - Farmers Market, August 27, 2021, 9am-12pm

CENTER - Tierra de Nueva Apartments parking lot, August 27, 2021, 1pm-5pm

SAGUACHE - Otto Mears Park, August 28, 10am-5pm

ALAMOSA - ASU Richardson Hall, August 29, 1pm-7pm

ANTONITO - Antonito Town Hall, September 4, 9am-5pm

Free COVID-19 testing is available to the public through mobile clinics on the dates and locations listed below. Register when you arrive or register online in advance at AffinityCareColorado.com. 

Mondays, 11am-2pm at Monte Vista Safeway Store, 1200 2nd Ave, Monte Vista

Tuesdays, 10am-2pm at Rio Grande County Social Services, 1015 6th St in Del Norte

Wednesdays, 3pm-7pm at the Community Center in Saguache

Thursdays, 10am-2pm at La Jara Town Hall, 210 Broadway St in La Jara

Friday, 8/27/2021, 11am-2pm at La Jara Town Hall  

If you would like to be screened for testing through a local provider, contact SLV Health (719-657-4990), Rio Grande Hospital (719-657-4990), or Valley-Wide Health Systems (719-589-3658 ext. 4). When you schedule testing you may ask what the estimated time will be to get your results. Please remember to stay isolated while awaiting your test results.

There are currently 81 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley.

Alamosa County - 17

Conejos County - 9

Costilla County - 3

Mineral County - 3

Rio Grande County - 42

Saguache County - 7