This is not a comprehensive document. We continue to receive additional guidance from the State and will continue to update regularly.
For more FAQs regarding COVID-19 in Colorado, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website here.
For information on taking time off of work to get vaccinated, preparing for vaccination, or post-vaccination measures, see our corresponding FAQs section.
To learn more about tracking your digital vaccination record, visit our COVID-19 Vaccination Record finder.
General
General Public Health FAQs
Q: Are masks required?
As of February 22, 2022, universal masking is not required in indoor public settings, or school and childcare settings, however well-fitted masks (Espanol) are highly recommended for anyone 2 years and older in indoor public settings including schools, child care facilities, and when carpooling.
As of February 22, 2022, masks are still required, per federal mandate, when riding in a school bus or public transportation.
Masks are required for persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 when in public settings during days 6-10 of isolation and quarantine, as indicated in the updated CDC isolation and quarantine guidance (Espanol).
Q: Do I have to wear a mask when I am outside?
A: No, individuals are not required to wear a mask outside. Pitkin County Public Health strongly recommends that individuals who are unvaccinated or who are at risk for severe COVID-19 disease continue to wear a mask when in outdoor crowded areas or in outdoor large gatherings of individuals, and maintain physical distancing. Crowded areas and large gatherings of individuals include but are not limited to venues, event areas, sports events, fairs, festivals, parades, graduation ceremonies or wedding receptions.
Q: Will guests be required to wear masks when in line at an outdoor business?
A: No, individuals are not required to wear a mask outdoors. Unvaccinated people are encouraged to wear a mask when interacting with people outside their household, inside or outside.
Q: Do restaurant servers need to wear masks on outdoor patios?
A: No, restaurant servers are not required to wear face coverings when serving customers on outdoor patios. However, consider implementing a policy around mask wearing when serving outside, especially if not all employees are vaccinated or if vaccination status is unknown among all employees. For more information about best practices in restaurants, review the Aspen Institute’s Safety First guidance, section “Reducing COVID Risks in Restaurants.”
Q: What should a transit provider do if a customer tries to get on the bus and says they have a health condition and cannot wear a mask, face covering or face shield?
A: A transit provider should arrange separate transportation for the person or make some other reasonable accommodation to provide transportation for the person, but the person should not be allowed on the bus. Please note that there is no exception for wearing a mask for fully vaccinated individuals on the bus or other public transportation or transport hubs.
School & Childcare Settings
General Information
Q: Who is considered a youth?
A: Any individual under age 19 is considered a youth
Best Practices & Guidance for Businesses
General Guidance
Q: When should I consider getting tested for COVID-19? What symptoms would I be exhibiting?
A: You should consider getting tested if you meet any of the criteria below:
- Have symptoms of COVID-19.
- Had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
- Have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, local or state health department.
Please visit our testing page for more information about how to get tested HERE.
You could exhibit a wide range of symptoms of COVID-19 that range from mild to severe including:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Q: Can we carpool?
A: We are encouraging people not to carpool. If you can’t use an individual vehicle, steps to follow include: use fresh air through vents or windows, do not use air recirculation mode, bring hand sanitizer, reduce car capacity by 50%, ride to work with the same people, passengers sit in the back, passengers should wear cloth masks when more than 1 person is in the car, disinfect car at the end of the day or after different people use the car.
What is Required?
Q: Are Business Safety Plans still required?
A: No, this form is not required for businesses to complete. However, we still recommend businesses adopt evidence-based practices, where they see fit.
Q: Are Event Safety Plans still required?
A: Event Safety Plans are no longer required by Public Health, but will continue to be available as a COVID-19 Event Safety Plan to all event planners to implement Public Health best practices. Pitkin County Public Health will continue to review the plans and provide feedback with the hopes that we can support your event planning efforts.
Q: Are hotel shuttles considered public transportation?
A: Yes, hotel shuttles are considered public transportation. For more information about the federal mask order when on public transportation, please see our mask guidance page.
Q: What are the capacity limits and social distancing requirements for Pitkin County?
A: There are no capacity or social distancing requirements. Recommendations to consider these measures will be based on risk.
Sector-Specific Recommendations
Q: Where can I find sector-specific guidance?
A: Visit the Colorado Department of Health & Environment Guidance by Sector page to see recommended COVID-19 guidance your industry should consider implementing.
Q: Is carpooling allowed?
A: Yes, carpooling is allowed. Please consider implementing best practices, such as providing hand sanitizer, limiting the vehicle’s occupancy whenever possible, ensure all passengers wear non-medical cloth face coverings when in a vehicle containing more than one person, maximize the ventilation by opening windows, and disinfect all high-touch areas of the vehicle.
Q: Will indoor self-serve buffets be allowed?
A: Indoor self-serve buffets are allowed. However, consider eliminating multi-use utensils and implement touchless self-service wherever practicable.
Q: What is the guidance for plexiglass at buffets? Checkout stations and hostess stands?
A: Barriers are recommended specifically for work situations where staff have the potential to come in contact with people known, or suspected, to be infected with COVID, or where there is high turnover and infection status of personnel is unknown.
Q: What are the farmers’ market Covid-19 requirements for vendors?
A: There will be no requirements for vendors. Consider reviewing the Colorado Farmers Market Association 2021 Recommendations for Farmers Markets
Testing, Quarantining and Isolating
Testing, Quarantining and Isolating FAQs
Q: “I Think I have COVID-19”
A: You might have COVID-19 if you have:
- ANY of the following: fever of 100.4°F or higher, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, chills, diarrhea, nausea, runny nose, congestion, stomach pain, or vomiting.
Call your doctor to get a referral to be tested at Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) or visit our testing page here for additional testing sites available in Pitkin, Eagle, or Garfield County.
When symptomatic, help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:
- Staying home except to get medical care
- Separating yourself from other people (including others in your household)
- Monitoring your symptoms
- Wearing a cloth covering over your nose and mouth if you must be around other people
- Cleaning your hands often
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Covering your coughs and sneezes
Q: I tested positive for COVID-19:
A: Isolate (stay home) until it’s safe to be around others. You may discontinue isolation when the following conditions are met
- 24 hours with no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications AND
- Other symptoms have improved (for example, cough, shortness of breath), AND
- 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
If you had no symptoms but tested positive for COVID-19, stay home until 5 days have passed since the test was administered.
You will receive an email from Pitkin County Public Health within 3 days of your positive test result. This will include a survey to gather information about your illness, a list of people you were in close contact with as well as resources you may need to safely isolate (e.g., food/medication delivery, mental health supports). Contact tracing is a key strategy to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Pitkin County Public Health staff will inform your close contacts that they may have been exposed (without the use of your name), so the contact can monitor for symptoms and separate themselves from others in case they become ill. This conversation will be confidential.
During isolation:
- Do not go to grocery stores or other public places (food deliveries and other supports can be found on our get help page and/or discussed with the Disease Investigation staff who calls you)
- Do not use public transportation
- Do not go to work. Working from a home-based office is permitted
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
We realize that the above requirements may be difficult for many. To minimize the negative effects, we have compiled a list of resources that may provide mental health support, as well as support acquiring groceries and housing for isolation.
Resources available in English y Español
Q: I think I was exposed to someone with COVID-19:
A: Follow the CDC’s Quarantine guidance.
COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Until the end of your quarantine/Isolation period:
If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or health care provider. Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Avoid contact with high-risk individuals.
During quarantine:
- Do not go to grocery stores or other public places (food deliveries and other supports can be found here and/or discussed with the contact tracing staff who calls you)
- Do not use public transportation
- Do not go to work. Working from a home-based office is permitted
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
We realize that the above requirements may be difficult for many. To minimize the negative effects, we have compiled a list of resources that may provide mental health support, as well as support acquiring groceries and housing for isolation.
Resources available in English y Español
If you develop symptoms, call your doctor to get a referral to be tested at Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) or visit our testing page here for additional testing sites available in Pitkin, Eagle, or Garfield County.
Q: Do I need to quarantine if I have been vaccinated?
A: Close contacts are those who had close contact (within 6 feet) for more than 15 minutes (regardless of whether or not masks are worn) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 while that individual was contagious (two days before diagnosis as well as for all days on which the case was symptomatic).
Follow the CDC’s Quarantine guidance.
Q: I do not have symptoms but would like to get tested
A: At this time, we are not recommending that asymptomatic individuals (people without symptoms) who have not had a known exposure to COVID-19 receive testing.
A negative test for an asymptomatic individual only means that you are negative at that point in time and you could still become infected later on. A test done too early on in the incubation period could lead to a false negative test. Testing negative one day does not prevent one from testing positive the next day. The current testing method (PCR nasal swab) will return a false negative result 100% of the time when administered the day of transmission, 40% of the time four days after transmission, and 20% of the time in those who have symptoms three or more days after transmission.
However, if an asymptomatic test is necessary, please visit our testing webpage to review the sites that may conduct asymptomatic testing.
Q: I would like an antibody test for COVID-19 to see if I was infected before:
A: The current most widely used antibody tests test for IgG and IgM antibodies. IgG antibodies generally develop between seven to ten days after infection, while IgM antibodies are a sign of a more recent infection. At this point, it is unclear to what extent the presence of antibodies may protect from future reinfection.
Please note, a negative test result does not rule out previous COVID-19 infection, and a positive test result could be wrong (false positive) and does not guarantee immunity. Positive results may be due to past or present infection with a different coronavirus strain. Current guidelines, such as social distancing, frequent hand hygiene, staying at home if symptomatic, and use of face masks, will remain in place regardless of the test result.
If you would still like to arrange for an antibody test, you may do so by reaching out to your primary care physician.
Q: I work with somebody who tested positive for COVID-19:
A: Close contacts are those who had close contact (within 6 feet) for more than 15 minutes (regardless of whether or not masks are worn) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 while that individual was contagious (two days before diagnosis as well as for all days on which the case was symptomatic).
If you develop symptoms (fever of 100.4°F or higher, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, chills, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite) during your quarantine period, please reach out to your doctor or primary care physician to see if you qualify for a referral for testing.
Q: I went to a restaurant or business (grocery store, coffee shop, etc.) where someone tested positive for COVID-19:
A: Unless you were in close contact (within six feet for 15 minutes or more; regardless of whether or not masks were worn) with the individual who tested positive for COVID-19, you do not need to seek testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend testing for those who are not close contacts.
If you are identified as a close contact, Pitkin County Public Health will reach out to you with quarantine instructions.
Q: I have an employee who tested positive for COVID-19:
A: Contact Pitkin County at the COVID-19 Helpline at (970) 429-3363 or email [email protected], if Public Health staff have not already reached out to you. Additionally, refer to the Employer Guidance document for more information.
The Public Health Disease Investigation Team will initiate contact tracing with the individual. Do not notify other employees about the individual’s positive test result (this is a private medical matter) or attempt to contact trace yourself.
If your place of employment is identified as a location where exposure may have occurred, a member of the Disease Investigation Team will reach out to you directly. The CDC defines a “contact” or an “exposure” as a person who has been closer than 6 feet to a positive person for more than 15 minutes (regardless of whether or not masks are worn), while the person who has tested positive is considered contagious.
Unless your employee self reports to you as the employer, you as the employer may or may not be aware if your employee has tested positive.
Maintain confidentiality. Your employee’s health history is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and should remain private. The individual’s identity must not be revealed to other employees.
Provide support for the individual as well as enable the individual to continue working remotely, as much as possible, if their health allows. The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 will need to complete their isolation orders before returning to work in person.
Do not refer employees for testing (unless symptomatic). Pitkin County Public Health will work directly with you to determine if exposed employees need to be quarantined or tested. Individuals in isolation or quarantine will be released to work by Public Health.
Encourage all employees to:
- Wear required face coverings at all times when on shift and while socializing with coworkers
- Wash hands regularly, especially before eating or touching your face
- Maintain 6 feet of space between self and others
- Cover cough or sneeze into the elbow or tissue
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if sick and seek testing within the first 48 hours of symptoms
- Sick employees, regardless of testing, are asked to stay home until symptoms improve and a fever has not been reported within 24 hours without fever reducing medication
Your business may or may not be required to close depending on the contact tracing and level of exposure identified. If a recommendation to close is being considered, Pitkin County Public Health will reach out to that business to discuss the concerns and process in detail. Regardless of whether or not a business is asked to close, all businesses should follow:
- If it has been less than 7 days since the sick employee has been in the facility, close off any areas used for prolonged periods of time by the sick person.
- Clean, sanitize, and disinfect the employee’s working area.
- If practical, wait 24 hours before using or cleaning the area with windows open to minimize other employees being exposed.
- If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
- If it has been 7 days or more since the sick employee used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary. Continue routinely cleaning and disinfecting all high-touch surfaces in the facility.
Q: I want to visit someone who is at a higher risk for severe illness (aged 65 and older, underlying health conditions):
A: Pitkin County Public Health does not currently recommend testing for individuals visiting higher-risk individuals, as a positive test one day does not ensure that you are disease-free the next day.
Try to limit contact with those at a higher risk for severe illness. It is possible to spread COVID-19 even if you do not have symptoms of illness. If you have been staying home and limiting interactions for two weeks, you may be less likely to be carrying the virus.
If you decide to visit someone who is high-risk:
- Wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth
- Maintain 6 feet of space
- Stay outside if possible
- Keep the interaction short
- Avoid taking public transportation
- Clean your hands often
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Consider leaving children at home unless you are confident that they understand distancing guidelines
Q: I am traveling somewhere or enrolled in a program/camp that requires testing for COVID-19:
A: If you are traveling somewhere or have enrolled in a program or camp that requires a negative COVID-19 test before arrival, reach out to your primary care physician to arrange testing or review our testing webpage for sites that test asymptomatic individuals.
Make contingency plans if you receive a positive test result and are unable to proceed with your trip or program. Even if you receive a negative test result, due to the increased risk of COVID-19 with any kind of travel, we also encourage you to have a plan for how to isolate if you develop COVID-19-like symptoms while traveling or at your camp as well.
Q: My employer requires that I am tested before I can return to work:
A: At this time, we are not advising employers to require asymptomatic individuals to be tested before returning to work. If your employer still requires this to return to work, you may be able to arrange for testing through your primary care physician. If an individual tests positive through a nasal swab, they will need to isolate for 5 days from the time of receiving their results. A negative nasal swab does not preclude an individual from becoming ill at any time in the future.
Binax At-Home Testing
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has begun distributing over-the-counter BinaxNow rapid antigen COVID-19 tests directly to the home of Coloradans. To read more about the program as well as how to order tests, please read more here.
Q: What is BinaxNow?
A: BinaxNow is a COVID-19 antigen test that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Antigen tests detect COVID-19 viral proteins on samples in order to determine if someone currently has the virus. Samples are collected via a self-administered nasal swab and results are available in 15 minutes.
Q: When should I use the BinaxNow at home?
A: BinaxNow home tests are best performed twice weekly as part of a serial testing effort by the individual. This serial testing effort allows individuals to detect an infection quickly, thus reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others and being able to access essential care earlier. These tests can also be used to test symptomatic individuals to determine if someone has an active COVID-19 infection.
Q: What should I do if my test is negative?
A: If your BinaxNow at-home test is negative and you are not experiencing symptoms, you can continue with your day-to-day activities. If you are symptomatic but test negative with the BinaxNow at-home test, you should continue to isolate (click here for guidance) and seek out PCR testing to verify results. You can find testing resources in Pitkin County here.
Q: What should I do if my test is positive?
A: If your BinaxNow at home test comes back positive, this is a true positive and you should isolate for at least 10 days from the date your symptoms started. Click here for isolation guidance.
You may also contact your medical provider to discuss possible treatment options. If you are experiencing a medical emergency please call 911. You should then report your result through the Colorado Binax Reporting hub, here. This is the best way to notify the local Public Health department of your positive result and receive further recommendations and support options. There is further information available from CDPHE here.
Finally, think about a list of individuals that you believe you have been in close contact with in order to share that information with a Pitkin County contact tracer when they get in touch with you about next steps. Close contact is defined as someone who you have been within 6 feet of for more than 15 minutes.
Travel Documents
Travel Documents FAQs
You can schedule a proctored test through any provider by using the Pitkin County testing site finder.
Q: I need my vaccination record to travel. How can I find mine?
A:
- If you received your COVID-19 vaccination within Colorado you can use the Pitkin County vaccination record finder to locate your vaccination record.
- Residents of Colorado can access an electronic vaccine record through the MyColorado app. Learn more
- If you did not receive your vaccine within Colorado, all vaccine records are accessible through your state’s Immunization Information Systems (IIS). You can find information regarding your state’s IIS through the CDC’s contacts for IIS immunization records page.
- Please Note: Pitkin County can not access your vaccination records for you; you will need to work with your medical provider or Colorado’s database CIIS in order to access or rectify your vaccination records.
Pitkin County Vaccination
Preparing for Your Arrival
Q: Do I need to bring an ID?
A: Having a state issued ID is NOT required to get the vaccine. No proof of residency or employment will be required.
Q: Is there a cost associated or do I need insurance?
A: The vaccine clinics that Pitkin County has been putting on are completely free, regardless of insurance. This may not be the case at other locations you can receive the vaccine.
Q: Are there Spanish speaking capabilities at the clinic?
A: Yes, there are multiple people who can speak Spanish.
Q: I don’t have email or internet access. How do I get a vaccination appointment?
A: You can register for the vaccine as well as schedule an appointment (when you are eligible) over the phone by calling the Pitkin County COVID-19 Helpline at 970-429-3363.
Ride to Vaccine Sites
Don’t let transportation challenges stop you (or your family and friends) from getting vaccinated. Mile High United Way’s Ride United program is providing access to free rides (up to 25 miles each way) to vaccination sites across Colorado. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211colorado.org to learn more.
Post Vaccination
Q: Should I get tested for COVID-19 after I’m fully vaccinated?
A: If you begin experiencing symptoms or have known contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive, it is recommended that you get tested. Even though the vaccines protect against infection, they are not 100% effective and it is possible for you to still catch and transmit COVID-19 to those around you. There continue to be free and accessible COVID-19 testing options throughout Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork Valley.
Q: How long do I have to isolate after an exposure or if I test positive if I am fully vaccinated?
A: See our quarantine and isolation page for more thorough guidance for your situation.
Once you are fully vaccinated…
Once at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, you may now follow CDC guidance for fully vaccinated people.
PTO for Vaccination and Recovery
Q: Can I take time off from work to receive the vaccine?
A: Last year, Governor Polis signed the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, giving all regular employees working full-time or part-time in the state eligibility to receive paid time off by January 1st of this year for health and safety-related needs. That means the vast majority of workers have the right to take four hours of paid time off or sick leave for a vaccine appointment — even when scheduled during work hours, and use PTO while recovering from COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Employers are required to honor that right.
If your employer’s answer to “Can I take time off?” is “No,” meaning they have not allowed you to use accumulated hours of leave time to receive the vaccine or recover from vaccine side effects — or the pay rate does not match the hourly rate you would normally receive plus the same benefits, please call CDLE’s Division of Labor Standards and Statistics at (303) 318-8441 to ask questions or voice a complaint.
Children and Vaccinations
Q: How does COVID-19 affect children?
A: While COVID-19 causes mild illness in most children, some children do have more severe illnesses requiring hospitalization for treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children (MIS-C), which can affect multiple organs, including the heart. Some children can also have “long COVID” with persistent symptoms for months after infection, including extreme fatigue, “brain fog,” breathing problems, and body aches. Children with preexisting conditions, such as asthma, are at higher risk to display mild to severe COVID symptoms.
Q: What measures were taken to test the COVID-19 vaccine on children?
A: Children have distinct developmental and physiological differences that affect not only their susceptibility to disease but also how their immune systems respond to health interventions. The volunteer participants were divided into three groups: ages 5 to 11; 2 to 5; and 6 months to 2 years. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old in the Pfizer trial received 10 micrograms, but children under age 5 only received 3 micrograms.
As children grow and change, their immune systems do too. A 6-year-old is not the same as a 16-year-old. Researchers do “age de-escalation” studies with participants placed in different groups. For example, 6-to-12-year olds, 2-to-6-year olds, and 6-month-to-2-year olds. Doses start at the lowest safest level and researchers increase them in different groups to determine whether a larger dose is more effective or whether a lower dose provides a complete response.
Q: Why should children get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Medical and public health experts, including the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that children and adolescents 12 years of age and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect them from contracting and spreading the virus. Children and adolescents are typically at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from COVID-19, but it is still possible. While most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, they can still spread the disease to others. COVID-19 has caused serious illness, complications, and even death in some children and teens, and those with underlying health conditions may be more likely to become severely ill.
Another important reason for children to get the COVID-19 vaccine is to protect their friends, family, and the broader community. And being vaccinated will allow kids to get back to the things they have missed: in-person school, playing with friends, and participating in sports activities. Vaccinated individuals have a very low risk of contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others, which adds a layer of protection for unvaccinated individuals around them – such as younger siblings and other children who are not currently eligible. Additionally, as more and more people get vaccinated, the infection rate among the general population will continue to lower, decreasing the chance that the coronavirus will mutate into dangerous variants.
Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?
In short, yes any vaccine approved by the FDA and CDC for use in children is safe. On October 29th the FDA approved a reformulation of the Pfizer vaccine for use in ages 5-11. In order to receive this approval, the vaccine has to go through a rigorous study for safety and efficacy. On June 17, 2022 the FDA approved a pediatric Pfizer vaccine for ages 6 months to 5 years and a pediatric Moderna vaccine for ages 6 months to 5 years.
The FDA approval means that the vaccine was safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 infection in this age group.
For any specific medical concerns regarding your child and vaccination, please consult with your pediatrician.
Q: When can my child get vaccinated?
A: Any child ages 5 and older is currently eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Children ages 5-11 need to seek out the pediatric Pfizer dose specifically, while those 12+ years of age should seek out the adult dosage. Please speak to providers in your area to assure which vaccines are available and to make an appointment.
Q: Why has it taken longer to gain approval for children under 12?
A: Conducting clinical trials to determine an appropriate vaccine dose in children requires additional work over that done in the adult studies, including ensuring that the vaccine dosage and formulation strength used is the appropriate one from the perspective of safety and generating an immune response.
Q: What side effects do children experience from the vaccine?
A: Children may experience mild side effects, such as soreness in the arm, fatigue, headache, or a slight fever, and most will pass in one to two days. These are signs that their body is building immunity, but even if they don’t experience any side effects, their immune system is still building protection against the virus. Serious side effects are rare and mild side-effects are common and treatable. Speak with your pediatrician before using any treatment related to vaccine side effects.
Q: What is the risk of hospitalization/death if my child is not vaccinated?
A: Although COVID-19 in children is sometimes milder than in adults, some kids infected with the coronavirus can get severe lung infections, become very sick and require hospitalization. This is especially important to remember in light of variants, which can be very contagious.
Compared to the flu, which typically kills about 100 children a year, at current rates child deaths related to COVID-19 stand at more than 200 a year. Evidence is also emerging about the long-term effects of COVID-19 on young people, including fatigue, headaches, and loss of sense of taste or smell for months, as well as long-term issues with the brain.
Q: Which children cannot be vaccinated?
A: If your child has a significant health issue – such as those resulting in a compromised immune system or severe allergic reactions – check with their physician to determine if they should be vaccinated.
Q: Should I wait for my child to get the vaccine to ensure there are no long-term effects?
A: COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized to be distributed to millions of people since December 2020 with no identified long-term side effects.
Q: How can I be sure the vaccine won’t affect my child’s development?
A: If coronavirus vaccines were to interfere with teens’ development, they would need access to their DNA. At no point does the vaccine interact with a person’s DNA or cause genetic changes because the mRNA does not enter the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. There’s no biological reason or proof that hormones associated with puberty can impact immune responses to coronavirus vaccines.
Q: Should I be worried about the risks for heart problems in young boys?
A: This effect is called myocarditis. Out of more than 12 million doses administered to youth ages 16 to 24, the CDC says it has 275 reports of heart inflammation following the COVID-19 vaccine. The side effect seems to be more common in teen boys and young men than in older adults and women and may occur in 16 cases for every 1 million people who got a second dose. Most of the young adults who experienced myocarditis recovered quickly. Read the full study. Myocarditis and heart inflammation is also a potential side effect of COVID-19 infection and is actually more likely due to infection than vaccination. Read the full study here.
Q: What is myocarditis, and is there a risk of myocarditis after vaccination?
A: Yes, there is a risk but a small one. Out of more than 12 million doses administered to youth ages 16 to 24, the CDC says it has 275 reports of heart inflammation following the COVID-19 vaccine. Myocarditis and heart inflammation is also a potential side effect of COVID-19 infection and is actually more likely due to infection than vaccination. Read the full study here.
Q: Could the vaccine impact my child in any serious way, such as long-term reactions to COVID-19 that don’t go away?
A: Vaccines are highly unlikely to cause side effects long after getting the shot. Science and history show that even the most serious side effects for any vaccine, including COVID-19, occur within just a few weeks.
Q: Will children need a COVID-19 vaccine to return to school in the fall?
A: Vaccination requirements for public schools vary according to state laws, and that will likely be true for COVID-19 vaccines as well. All 50 states require certain immunizations – including tetanus, measles, polio, and chickenpox vaccinations – and some states have additional requirements. While many states and school districts have not yet announced their COVID-19 vaccination policies for the fall, requirements and/or recommendations will be issued at the state, local, and district levels as officials review guidance and as more children become vaccinated. Regardless of any requirement, all children who are eligible are encouraged to get the vaccine to protect themselves and others from catching and spreading the virus.
Breakthrough Occurrence
Q: Should vaccinated people worry they are spreading the virus?
A:
- It’s important to remember breakthrough infections occur in only a small proportion of vaccinated people and of the breakthrough infections, transmission by the vaccinated appears to only be a small part of overall spread of the virus.
- In areas of substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends that vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings to prevent spread and protect themselves and others.
Q: Does this mean the vaccines aren’t working as we expected?
A: No, the 162+ million fully vaccinated Americans have a very strong degree of protection against variants. They are overwhelmingly avoiding severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Unvaccinated individuals account for virtually all the hospitalizations and death in the U.S.
Despite seeing cases numbers similar to the surge we experienced last summer, deaths are down more than 70% thanks to vaccination. This is further proof that getting fully vaccinated is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and those around you.
Q: If you are vaccinated but asymptomatic, can you spread the virus?
A: The CDC does not have data to inform the likelihood of asymptomatic spread among vaccinated people, but expect that it would be relatively low.
Booster Doses and Mixing & Matching
Booster Doses and Mixing & Matching FAQ
Booster Guidelines
See our booster eligibility checker to find out your current eligibility
Q: Who can get a 2nd booster dose?
A: 2nd Booster doses are approved for anyone who is at least 50 years of age and any individual 12+ years of age who are moderate to severely immunocompromised as defined by the CDC. Individuals who received Johnson & Johnson as their first booster dose are also eligible to receive one additional booster dose of an mRNA vaccine. Individuals who meet the above criteria must also have received their 1st booster dose at least 4 months ago.
Individuals who are eligible for a 4th dose must receive either a full Pfizer dose (approved for 12+ years of age) or a half Moderna dose (approved for 18+ years of age).
Q: I would like to receive a different dose than my initial regime, is that possible?
A: Yes, you may seek out a different vaccine than your initial dose. Mixing and matching has been shown to be safe and effective.
Q: I would like a Moderna booster but am confused about full and half doses?
A: Full doses of Moderna as additional doses are only available for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals in a medical setting; please speak to your primary care physician or care team if you feel you are eligible based on CDC guidance, here.
If you are not immunocompromised, the FDA and CDC approved a half dose of Moderna as a booster shot and you may schedule with any provider at this time.
Immunocompromised = full dose as an additional dose
General public = half dose as a booster dose
Q: I am immunocompromised and would like a booster/additional dose, what can I do?
Immunocompromised individuals should consult their Primary Care Physician when determining which immunizations to receive. See our booster eligibility checker for the current eligibility of immunocompromised individuals
For more information see the COVID-19 vaccinations for immunocompromised individuals webpage.
Q: If the vaccines are effective, why would someone need a booster?
A: Additional doses provide another layer of protection, especially for people with very specific medical circumstances which impacts their body’s ability to mount a strong protective response to their initial vaccination. Without this protection, these individuals are at risk of contracting COVID-19 and suffering severe illness despite their vaccination status. Since all of these conditions already put these individuals at risk of severe illness due to COVID-19, it is critical that if their care team determines that receiving an additional dose is appropriate at this time that they are able to receive the protection of an additional dose. For the general population, receiving the initial vaccination regime offers strong protection against COVID-19 infection and illness.
Vaccination Records
COVID-19 Vaccination Records
Take a look at our vaccination record finder to look for your record or to find solutions to many of the most common vaccination record issues.
Below are some resources to help find your vaccination records online. If you would rather talk with someone about your status call the Colorado Immunization Information System at 888-611-9918 or 877-268-2926 and ask if your vaccination record is present in the system.
Q: I received a text message from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that I haven’t received a 2nd dose and I have? Or I checked for my vaccine record in the Colorado Immunization Information System and couldn’t find it?
A: This means that your digital vaccination record has not been generated yet. This can take time since the system is currently experiencing increased usage. If you have your white CDC Record Card you can email a picture of it to [email protected] and they can update your digital record. If you can’t find your record AND you’ve lost your white CDC card, you have to wait for the digital record to be generated. Your record exists, it is just being processed. At this time, if your record has not been generated yet and you did not sign up for V-Safe (CDC vaccination tracking system), unfortunately, you can only be patient. Public Health departments and vaccine providers are not allowed to divulge medical information, such as who received what type of vaccine, without a lengthy process of identity verification.
Q: Why do you need all of my information?
A: We use this information to generate a digital medical record of your vaccination. If you have received a vaccination in the state of Colorado, you are added to the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS). This system is used so that in the instance that you should ever need documentation of your vaccination, you or your primary care provider can access it. In order to assure that we are attributing your Covid-19 vaccination to the correct person, we need this verifiable information. In the instance that you are not already in Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS), we use this information to generate this secure medical record.
Q: Why did I receive a white CDC card at the time of my vaccination?
A: There is a delay in generating digital medical records at the best of times and these physical vaccination records are meant to be used as a stop-gap during this delay. Many of these Immunization Information Systems, like Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS), were designed for manual entry of vaccinations given at pharmacies or healthcare providers. They were not originally intended for mass immunization programs which have been necessary during the Covid-19 pandemic. This surge in usage has led to delays in generating up-to-date medical records. Rest assured, your record will be updated and the information is not lost. However, due to the sensitive nature of medical records, all care is being taken to assure security throughout the entire process which takes time. During this process, the white CDC card you received at the time of your vaccination is the only accessible record of your vaccination.
Q: What do I do if I’ve lost my white CDC vaccination card?
A: You may contact your primary care provider or Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS), 888-611-9918 or 877 268 2926, directly in order to access your digital medical record. If you signed up for V-Safe (the CDC’s post-vaccination health tracker) then you would have put your vaccination info in there as well. In the instance that your record has not been updated yet and you did not sign up for V-Safe, unfortunately, you can only be patient. Public Health departments and vaccine providers are not allowed to divulge medical information, such as who received what type of vaccine, without a lengthy process of identity verification. The quickest and most accurate way to access your digital medical record is to go through your primary care provider or Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) via email [email protected] or call at 888-611-9918 or 877 268 2926.
Myth Busting
Pre-Vaccine Safety
Q: Can I get the vaccine if I have COVID-19 and am showing symptoms right now?
A: If you currently have COVID-19 you should not get the vaccine, you should wait until 10 days have past since your first symptom occurred and symptoms have resolved.
Q: Who shouldn’t get the vaccine?
A: It’s a very small (number) of people. Only if you have a certain allergy, allergic reaction to some of the ingredients.
Q: Can I not get the vaccine if I’m pregnant?
A: You should get vaccinated if you’re pregnant, but obviously talk to your doctor first.
Q: How do we know if the vaccines are safe since they were developed so quickly?
A: All three vaccines have gone through the three phases of research and approval. There was no vaccine in the history of humankind that had caused side effects where they caused someone to die years later after getting the vaccine. If you get any type of reaction it is immediate, that’s why they have you wait (at the clinic) for 15 minutes. It would never be in the long run.
Aftereffects of getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
Q: Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
A: It is not possible to get COVID-19 from a vaccine, but it is possible to have side effects that are consistent with COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines use inactivated virus, part of the virus (e.g., the spike protein), or a gene from the virus. None of these can cause COVID-19.
Q: Will the vaccine work immediately?
A: Protection from the vaccine is not immediate, it will take time after the vaccination for the body to respond and make enough antibodies to protect you.
Q: What are possible vaccine side effects and why do they happen?
A: The most commonly reported side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are mild fever, chills, body aches, pain and redness at the injection site, nausea, headache, and fatigue for 1-2 days after receiving the vaccine. The process of building immunity can cause symptoms. These symptoms are normal and show that your body’s immune system is responding to a vaccine. Other routine vaccines, like the flu vaccine, have similar side effects.
Side effects can be more pronounced after the second dose of the vaccine. If you experience discomfort after the first dose of the vaccine, it is very important that you still receive the second dose on your scheduled date for full protection.
Please maintain your scheduled appointment date, as cancellations may not guarantee a second dose (Pfizer and Moderna) appointment at a later date. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first one, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you NOT to get a second shot.
Please report any side effects using V-SAFE.
If you are experiencing side effects do the following:
- Moving your arm, holding still may actually cause it to hurt more
- Apply a cold compress to the injection site
- Take a nap. Try a warm bath or hot shower.
Call your PCP if redness and swelling increase in size or does not decrease after a few days, or if you’re considering taking medication to counteract a vaccine side effect.
Sources for reporting symptoms:
V-Safe: vsafe.cdc.gov/
FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System: vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent
Roaring Fork Valley nonprofit provides more information on vaccine myths below. Visit the Aspen Times to read more.
Q: How long will I be immune after getting vaccinated?
A: We still don’t know, it could be like the flu where we have to get it every year, but there could be a chance it could be longer immunity.
Q: After I’m vaccinated do I have to wear a mask?
A: The CDC says that indoor and outdoor activities pose minimal risk to fully vaccinated people and therefore, these individuals may resume activities without wearing masks or physically distance from others, except when required in specific settings, such as public transportation. Please be respectful when around others and when in businesses that require masks.
Myth Busting with Local Doctors
Take a look at this YouTube playlist for conversations with local doctors covering a range of COVID-19 related myths.
COVID-19 Glossary
Commonly Used COVID-19 Terms
Coronavirus: A family of related viruses. Many of them cause respiratory illnesses. Coronaviruses cause COVID-19, SARS, MERS, and some strains of influenza, or flu. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is officially called SARS-CoV-2, which stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Asymptomatic: Not showing any symptoms (signs of disease or illness). Some people without any symptoms still have and can still be contagious and spread the COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC): The United States federal health protection organization
CDPHE: Colorado Department of Public Health and environment. Primary department in Colorado responsible for Public Health and Environment regulations
Communicable: Similar to the word, “contagious.” Used to describe diseases that can be spread or transmitted from one person to another.
Community Spread: People who have been infected with the virus in a particular area. Some may not even know where or how they were infected.
Infection Rate: This can be referred to as the incident rate. Is the probability or risk of infection in a population. Used to measure the frequency of occurrence of new cases of infection within a defined population during a specified time frame
Epidemic: A situation where more cases of disease than expected happen in a given area or to a group of people
Epidemiology: The branch of medicine that studies how diseases happen and spread in communities of people. A person who studies epidemiology is called an epidemiologist
Flattening the curve: Reducing the rate of new COVID-19 cases. The “curve” refers to a graph showing the number of cases of COVID-19 that happen over a period of time. Many cases happening in a short period of time create a graph that looks like a tall spike
Outbreak: A sudden increase of a specific illness in a small area
PPE: PPE Stands for personal protective equipment, which includes masks, face shields, gloves, gowns, and other coverings used by healthcare workers to prevent the spread of infection
Incubation period: The time between when a person is infected by a virus and when he or she notices symptoms of the disease. Estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 2-14 days