Mesa County Residents Advised on Fall Vaccines as Colorado Ensures Easy Access to Covid-19 Shots

Grand Junction residents and those across Mesa County are urged to review new fall immunization recommendations from the American Academy of Family Physicians, focusing on seasonal illnesses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19. Concurrently, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has reissued its standing order, ensuring Coloradans can access COVID-19 vaccines without an individual prescription.

The American Academy of Family Physicians, in partnership with other medical societies under the Vaccine Integrity Project, released its annual fall immunization recommendations. According to American Academy of Family Physicians President Sarah Nosal, "The science behind vaccines remains strong" as federal guidance evolves. These recommendations are based on the latest evidence, informed by public health experts, and reflect what family physicians observe daily in their patients.

For **COVID-19**, the academy recommends vaccination for all adults older than 18, especially those over 64, individuals who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, or those at increased risk of severe infection. Adults over 64 are also advised to get a second dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine six months after their initial dose to help "maintain protection as immunity wanes over time." Consistent with previous recommendations, pregnant women are advised to receive the COVID-19 vaccine regardless of trimester or if they are lactating. Children between 6 and 23 months old are also recommended for the vaccine, while children and teenagers aged 2 to 18 years old are advised to take a "risk-based single dose approach." The COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended for infants younger than 6 months old.

Regarding **RSV**, the academy supports federal guidance for a one-time vaccine for adults older than 74, or for adults aged 50-74 who are at increased risk. Adults and adolescents are only recommended to get the RSV vaccine if they are immunocompromised. Pregnant women are advised to receive the RSV immunization at 32-36 weeks of pregnancy, specifically if it is between September and March. For infants younger than 20 months, long-acting monoclonal antibody injections are recommended instead of a vaccine. The specific injection depends on age: clesrovimab or nirsevimab for infants younger than 8 months, and only nirsevimab for those older than 8 months.

**Influenza** recommendations are comparatively straightforward, advising immunization for anyone older than 5 months, provided there are no medical contraindications. Adults older than 64 are recommended to receive an "enhanced influenza vaccine," but should not delay immunization to obtain one in place of the standard shot.

The CDPHE announced on Friday, Sept. 4, that it re-issued its standing order to ensure Coloradans can access COVID-19 vaccines without an individual prescription. This action occurred just one day before last year’s order was set to expire. The 2025 order follows a U.S. Food and Drug Administration action that limited approval of the 2025 to 2026 COVID-19 vaccines primarily to those with a higher risk of infection and adults 65 and older.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis stated that the re-issue aims to make the choice for extra COVID-19 protection "simple and easy" for those who want it. By including all healthcare providers, the order builds upon state legislation and Board of Pharmacy rules that have already permanently expanded pharmacists’ ability to administer vaccines without a prescription. An updated COVID-19 vaccine, federally approved in August, is now available in pharmacies and doctors’ offices statewide, according to a press release from the CDPHE.

In additional local health news, Grand Junction is preparing for its second annual **HygienePalooza** on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The event, facilitated by the Colorado nonprofit Justice Necessary, invites community members to volunteer at the Grand Junction Convention Center, located at 159 Main St. Volunteers will help pack hygiene care kits containing products like deodorant, laundry detergent, period products, and shampoo, which are then distributed to K-12 schools and universities. Volunteer shifts are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for two-hour time slots. Those interested in volunteering can register by visiting Justice Necessary’s website.

Additionally, the **Suicide Prevention Coalition of Mesa County** and the regional U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system are offering a series of trainings this month to help locals improve community mental health and reduce suicides. The first opportunity is a two-day program called Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, or ASIST, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, and Friday, Sept. 11. The local suicide prevention coalition will also host an eight-hour Mental Health First Aid class on Friday, Sept. 25. Further details and sign-up information for these opportunities are available through the suicide prevention coalition’s resources page. The regional VA will also facilitate a Suicide Prevention for Veterans Lunch & Learn on Monday, Sept. 14. This two-hour event begins at noon at the Clifton Community Campus, 3270 D½ Road, with no registration indicated as required.