Vaccine clinics are coming up in Telluride and Norwood – The Daily Planet

Most people develop only mild symptoms akin to having a cold from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). But the virus can be deadly for certain people, especially those who are older and at high risk.

RSV is so common that you have undoubtedly been sick with (it) before, the American Lung Association explains on its website. You might not even know you had it, because without a lab test to confirm diagnosis, it is typically lumped together with other respiratory infections that can cause cold-like symptoms. It is possible to get RSV multiple times, even in the same year, because you do not develop immunity to it.

The trouble is, RSV has the potential to make you really sick. Indeed, an estimated 60,000-120,000 adults are hospitalized with RSV each year, and 6,000-10,000 die of complications from getting it. Those at highest risk fall into three groups: people with chronic lung diseases, such as asthma; those with weakened immune systems; and older adults, especially those aged 65 and up.

Earlier this year, two vaccines received federal approval for ages 60 and up for the prevention of RSV. San Miguel County now carries one of them, Abrysvo, which had an efficacy rate of nearly 89% against Lower Respiratory Tract Disease, according to data submitted by its manufacturer, Pfizer, to the FDA. (Both vaccines have efficacy rates of over 80%.)

Its well worth considering receiving this vaccine, particularly for those 60 years of age and older, Grace Franklin, the countys public health director, said. The vaccine is covered by Medicare Part D for ages 65 and up, for those with Medicare Advantage Plans with Part D, and for Medicaid recipients. It is also covered for ages 60 and up for those whose insurance approves it (check with your carrier about coverage, and ask about in-network pharmacies).

The vaccine at SMPH comes with a caveat: you will have to pay $300 out-of-pocket to receive it. Although we do have a handful of insurers were in network with, including Anthem and Rocky Mountain," Franklin said, we havent seen any insurer reimburse a clinic for the cost of the vaccine, and we cant get that wrong.

Franklin recommends those with Medicare Part D check with local pharmacies in Montrose and Durango.

People really should consider getting this, Franklin said. It will make a huge difference when it comes to the number of people who become severely sick from RSV. The data is really promising. The uptake has been really interesting, she added of the number of people who have paid for the vaccine.

For some people, the cost is worth it, she said. Others have laughed in our faces at the cost, and rightfully so. So far, weve given out three vaccines.

By contrast, the new, updated COVID vaccine has had a really good uptake, Franklin said. After a clunky start due to national shipping delays, among other reasons, weve now been in full swing for the last one-and-a-half months, dispensing jabs.

Weve been busy every single week, Franklin added. In October alone, we gave out over 1,000 vaccines. Just one nurse is doing it, and her hands arent tired yet.

Unlike the RSV vaccines, both COVID and influenza shots from the public health department are available at no charge to recipients.

Nothings free to us, Franklin clarified, but at least through 2023, anyone is welcome to come at no cost for a COVID vaccine. The same for the flu.

Both vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent illness, even if youre young and healthy. The time is now to drop by for a shot, Franklin added, before respiratory viruses of all stripes ramp up during the winter (which is what experts are watching for, and are concerned about).

We have lots of vaccines available to help protect you, and your community, Franklin said.

The San Miguel County Public Health Department is offering RSV vaccines by appointment. The county has two COVID-and-flu drop-in vaccine clinics in Telluride coming up on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and from 2-4 p.m., and on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Theres a clinic at Lone Cone Library in Norwood on Monday, Nov. 13, from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

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Vaccine clinics are coming up in Telluride and Norwood - The Daily Planet