COVID-19 NEWS
Updated COVID-19 Boosters Available
Individuals aged 12 years and older who completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series or received a booster dose at least 2 months ago can now receive an updated COVID-19 booster dose.
Free At-Home COVID Test Kit Ordering Ends Friday, Sept 2
Free at-home COVID tests will not be available through USPS as of Friday, September 2. Order your tests today!
Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines
Many people who are already vaccinated against COVID-19 should now receive another dose for the highest level of protection. While vaccines work very well to prevent COVID-19, immunity can drop over time. Getting a third dose when it’s time is the best way to keep up protection for you, your loved ones, and the community. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free. You don’t need an ID or insurance to get a vaccine.
COVID-19 Testing Sites in Colorado
It’s easy to get a free, fast, and safe COVID-19 test. There are more than 150 free community testing sites across Colorado. Making an appointment is easy, and you don’t need insurance or ID to get tested.
Self-Testing for COVID-19
Testing is critically important to help reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. If you have symptoms or had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, you should be tested, regardless of your vaccination status. A website is now available for each Colorado citizen to order one free package (contains 2 tests) of at-home COVID-19 testing material.
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots
The FDA has amended the Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for use of a single booster dose, to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series in people 65 and older, 18 and older who have underlying medical conditions, 18 and older who live in high-risk settings, and 18 and older who work in high-risk settings.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Colorado Staff in Licensed Healthcare Settings
The Colorado State Board of Health has approved emergency rules requiring vaccination for staff in licensed healthcare settings. The Board met to consider a request from Governor Polis to implement rules requiring licensed healthcare facilities to mandate their personnel -- including employees, direct contractors, and support staff-- who interact with individuals seeking medical care to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Immunocompromised People
CDC now recommends that people whose immune systems are compromised moderately to severely should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.
Guidance on Long COVID as a Disability
In light of the rise of long COVID as a persistent and significant health issue, the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice have joined together to provide guidance on “long COVID” as a disability under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557.
Find Help with Rent & Utilities
The CDC signed an Eviction Moratorium through October 3, 2021 for counties experiencing substantial and high levels of community transmission of COVID-19. Renters and landlords can apply for money from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program to get help with past-due rent and utility bills that will need to be paid when the moratorium expires.
Updated Mask Guidance
The CDC has updated their mask guidance for fully vaccinated people given new evidence on the Delta variant currently circulating in the United States. To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, CDC recommends everyone wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission, regardless of vaccination status.
COVID-19 Testing & Coverage
Testing is an important way to help control the spread of COVID-19. Early detection through a positive test can identify people who need care so they can get treatment and don’t pass the virus on to others. This resource from ACL provides an overview of COVID-19 testing, including when you should get tested, where tests are available, and who pays.
Disability Information and Access Line
The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) connects callers to information about how to access the COVID-19 vaccine and related supports for people with disabilities. DIAL connects callers to vaccine sites and provides information related to barriers to vaccination by referring callers to local and national disability resources.
COVID- 19 Vaccine Protection In People Who are Immunocompromised
According to the CDC, if you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.
WEBINAR: COVID-19 Vaccines for Caregivers
Georgia Tech Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation's recent webinar on COVID-19 Vaccines for Caregivers and Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) webinar explores the considerations of COVID-19 vaccines for caregivers and PCAs within the disability community.