COVID-19 Prevention and Preparedness

Overview

Prevention

• Get  fully vaccinated.  People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer and Moderna) or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson)
• If you are able to, wear a face covering over your face AND nose if you are at high risk for getting sick when COVID-19 community levels are medium or high
• Practice physical distancing and avoid close contact with people who are sick (keep about 6 feet away)
• Stay home when you are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your cough with your elbow or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash—and wash your hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Wash your hands often and/or when visibly dirty with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

Preparedness

• Create an emergency contact list for family and friends
• Frequently clean touched surfaces and objects with a regular household detergent cleaner
• Ensure your family has an extra supply of necessary medicines and food
• Identify a separate bedroom and bathroom (if available) for a sick family member to use
• Plan for ways to care for those who may be at greater risk (e.g. underlying chronic illness)
• Plan for potential schedule changes at school and work
• Avoid sharing personal household items with someone who is sick in the home

Vaccines

Consider getting vaccinated against COVID-19: 

So we can go back to the Colorado we love

Getting as many of us vaccinated as possible will hopefully allow us to achieve widespread community immunity so we can get back to the things we love. The vaccines will help us get back to work, back to spending time with family, and back to a more normal life.

To help protect people from getting COVID-19

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is an effective way to stop people from getting really sick or dying from COVID-19. Being vaccinated means that you are protected from getting seriously ill. It may also reduce the chance that you could spread COVID-19 to others who are more vulnerable.

Because the vaccines are free whether or not you have health insurance or are a U.S. citizen

The vaccines are free. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance will cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, uninsured Coloradans will have access to free vaccines. Providers cannot turn away anyone because they can’t pay for the vaccine or don’t have health insurance. Providers also cannot require ID before offering you a vaccine.

State and local public health agencies will never share your information for any immigration or law enforcement purposes. And receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will not count against you in any public charge determinations.

Get more COVID-19 vaccine information, including where you can get one, on the Weld County COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.