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Ready for the vaccine? Here's how you can sign up in Colorado, with all adults eligible

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Colorado Governor Jared Polis
A new mobile vaccination clinic option is coming to rural communities across Colorado.
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COLORADO SPRINGS — Every adult in Colorado is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The expanded access is a milestone for the state's vaccination efforts — by far, the largest group of eligible people to receive the shot.

Lea esta historia en español.

But keep a little patience in mind if you're eager to get the vaccine. The state is still working to vaccinate many people from the large 1.B4 phase, which includes 50-and-older residents and essential workers, such as grocery store employees.

Gov. Jared Polis estimated that any Coloradan who wants the vaccine should be able to receive at least their first dose by the end of May.

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Who is eligible for the vaccine as of Friday 4/2?

All Coloradans 16 and older will be eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility for Moderna will be for Coloradans 18 and older.

Does this mean I'm guaranteed to receive the vaccine immediately?

No. However, it does mean you can begin signing up for a vaccine appointment and receive an appointment, depending on demand. As Colorado has expanded vaccine access, the state and health care providers have still prioritized people in previous eligibility groups, if they have not received the vaccine yet. Gov. Jared Polis estimated the vaccine rollout for 16-and-older residents will take 6-8 weeks.

Here's the full list of vaccine eligibility groups, should Colorado have to prioritize based on phases and vaccine supply.

Where can I sign up?

Here's the fun part — finding an appointment.

Currently there are three main ways to sign up for a vaccine in Colorado: Through your healthcare provider, such as Denver Health, Centura, UC Health and others; through a pharmacy at King Soopers, Safeway, Walmart or Sam's Club; or through a community vaccination site, several of which have been set up in Colorado in recent weeks.

A good place to start would be the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's vaccine information page, which includes information on the pharmacy program, the community sites and list of every location — listed by county — where you can receive a vaccine.

As for the mobile vaccine clinics, the state is working on building a schedule for the buses, but for now you can look for availability near you at covid19.colorado.gov .

Many locations are now accepting walk-ups/drive-ups, including the State Fairgrounds site in Pueblo.

Here's more information on each signup method:

1. Healthcare provider: Most healthcare providers are accepting signups, and they'll then notify you when your appointment has been scheduled. Even if you don't have a healthcare provider, you can still sign up through one. Visit a provider's website to sign up for an appointment. In the Denver area, UC Health, Centura and Denver Health have been major providers working to distribute the vaccine.

2. A pharmacy: The U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program is coordinating vaccine distribution through Walmart, Sam's Club, Safeway, Cardinal and City Market/King Soopers. If you're eligible for a vaccine, you can visit vaccinefinder.org to schedule an appointment and check for vaccine availability. On the King Soopers website, for example, you can enter your zip code and view all nearby locations that have the vaccine in stock.

3. Community sites: Here's the list of links to sign up at community vaccination sites.

They include: Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Ball Arena in Denver, Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, The Ranch in Loveland, the Grand Junction Convention Center, and the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo.

OK, I have a vaccine appointment. What should I expect now?

Your provider — whether it's through your hospital, a pharmacy or a community site — will give you information on when to show up for your vaccine appointment, as well as coordinate your second dose of the vaccine. Some community sites have told people they may have to wait about 45 minutes, while smaller locations have shorter wait times.

Government IDs or other identifying documentation is not required in Colorado — a directive aimed at ensuring non-citizens and others who might not have an ID are included in the vaccination drive.

I'm having trouble scheduling an appointment. Everything seems booked. What should I do?

The vaccine appointment process can be frustrating for some, but state officials have asked people to be patient. If you're in a previous eligibility group, your appointment should be prioritized over the general public. And if you're in the general public, it may take some time to get an appointment on the books. Still, Polis and other officials have said they expect all adults to be able to receive the vaccine by the end of May.

If you're still running into dead ends, the state does have a 24/7 toll-free number for vaccine appointment questions. The number is 1-877-268-2926. About 200 operators — including Spanish speakers — work the line. Operators can help you with information on which providers have the vaccine in your area.

What does the vaccine cost?

Nothing. The vaccine is 100% free. If for some reason a provider charges you for the vaccine, ask for an itemized bill and get a reimbursement from your insurance company, per state guidelines.

Have more questions about the vaccine? Read our general FAQ we've been updating during the rollout.

Details on the state mass community vaccination sites.

This page on the state's COVID-19 website has links to each vaccine provider and information on how to sign up.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Safeway, Cardinal, and Kroger (City Market and King Soopers) pharmacies are administering COVID-19 vaccines in Colorado through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Eligible customers can visit vaccinefinder.org to check vaccine availability at each location or schedule a vaccine appointment via each pharmacy’s website:

El Paso County:

There are three ways you can get a vaccine in El Paso County: Through a healthcare provider, a state-run community vaccination site, or a pharmacy.

Residents don’t have to be a patient of a healthcare organization to sign up for the vaccine, but they may need to register as a patient first. Residents may call Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1 to receive information about the vaccine and assistance and other senior support services.

Pikes Peak region community members can now text “vaccine” (for English) or “vacuna” (for Spanish) to 667873 to get contact information for their preferred vaccine provider.

Most vaccine providers have digital registration options, as well as hotlines for those who prefer to register by phone.

As of right now, 35.7% of the population in El Paso County has received at least one dose of the vaccine, 22.7% of the population is fully vaccinated.

Community Vaccination Site: Broadmoor World Arena

  • El Paso County's drive-through Community Vaccination Site is open from 10 a.m to 6 p.m., Friday through Monday.
  • If you are eligible to receive a vaccine please register here.
  • Right now the vaccination site is being run through Centura Health.
  • For questions or to register by phone, call 720-263-5737.
  • If can also call Centura Health directly at 855-882-8065. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Colorado Community Clinic:

  • Colorado Community Clinic is located at 1605 North Union Blvd., Suite 100.
  • It is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • To schedule for the vaccine call 719-390-3150

Centura Health:

Kaiser Permanente:

  • Visit their website for the COVID-19 sign-up list and more information. Patients may also call 1-855-550-0951.
  • People will be placed on a first come first serve basis according to their eligibility.

Matthews-Vu:

  • To pre-register for a COVID vaccine, visit their website, call 719-474-7380, or email your name and the best contact number to contact@matthewsvu.com and a staff member will reach out to schedule you as supplies are available starting with patients 70 and older.
  • Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Optum & Mountain View Medical Group:

  • Vaccines are by appointment only. Eligible patients can contact Optum & Mountain View Medical Group by email to COSvaccine@optum.com. The team will contact you to schedule an appointment.
  • For more information, head to their websiteor call 719-463-5650.

Passport Health Colorado:

  • Appointments are required and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Schedule your appointment by clicking here.
  • You can also call at 719-387-5528.

Peak Vista Community Centers:

  • To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call 719-344-6500. An ID is not required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Patients will be contacted via text, email, or call to schedule appointments for receiving the vaccine.

UCHealth:

  • UCHealth is allowing patients to sign-up through the My Health Connection portal. If you are a current patient and have not yet made a portal, visit their website. Those who are not patients of UCHealth may also visit the website to register.
  • If you are a patient already on the waiting list, you will be contacted by UCHealth when it is time for your appointment.
  • For more information, visit the UCHealth website or call 720-462-2255.

Veterans Administration:

  • The PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Veterans Affairs Clinic in Colorado Springs through The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is offering vaccination appointments to veterans enrolled in VA health care in Phase 1B priority group (75-plus).
  • The VA will contact veterans in other vaccine priority groups to gauge interest and will schedule appointments based on the Centers for Disease Control/Department of Veterans Affairs COVID vaccine prioritization groups. No action is required at this time for veterans wishing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Enrolled veterans may sign up for updates and express intent to receive the vaccine by visiting their website or calling 1-888-336-8262.

King Soopers:

  • Select King Soopers have received a supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. Their licensed health care professionals are partnering with federal and state agencies to administer the doses to those eligible.
  • Call your nearest King Soopers or visit their website to sign up.

Safeway Pharmacy:

  • All appointments must be made online at Safeway's Vaccination website. Appointments are on a first come first serve basis, and availability will be added weekly as allocations are made. Check back regularly if you are unable to secure an appointment the first time around.

Walgreens:

  • Walgreens now offers COVID-19 vaccines
  • Click here to schedule your appointment
  • You can also call 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733)

Walmart Immunizations:

  • COVID-19 vaccines are now available for seniors 65 and older and other eligible patients. You can make an appointment on Walmart's website.

Chapel Hills Mall

  • A new drive-through clinic is open at the Chapel Hills Mall, next to the AMC Theaters.
  • It's run by Nomi Healthcare and the State of Colorado.
  • Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Drive-ups are welcome but appointments are recommended.

Pueblo County:

There are three ways you can get a vaccine in Pueblo County: Through a healthcare provider, a state-run community vaccination site, or a pharmacy.

The cost of the vaccine is free, but many providers are charging an administration fee. Agencies may charge insurance for a set price administration fee of approximately $23, and agencies providing vaccination for uninsured individuals will be reimbursed by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Community Vaccination Site: Colorado State Fair Grounds

  • Pueblo County's drive-through Community Vaccination Site is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Monday. This week it will remain open until 7 p.m. Mon - Thurs. to provide greater opportunities to individuals with work hours that limit their ability to access the site prior to 6 p.m.
  • If you are eligible to receive a vaccine please register here.
  • Right now the vaccination site is being run through Centura Health.
  • For questions or to register by phone, call 720-263-5737.
  • If can also call Centura Health directly at 855-882-8065. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Centura Health:

Kaiser Permanente:

  • Visit their website for the COVID-19 sign-up list and more information. Patients may also call 1-855-550-0951.
  • People will be placed on a first come first serve basis according to their eligibility.

King Soopers:

  • Select King Soopers have received a supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. Their licensed health care professionals are partnering with federal and state agencies to administer the doses to those eligible.
  • Call your nearest King Soopers or visit their website to sign up.

Safeway Pharmacy:

  • All appointments must be made online at Safeway's Vaccination website. Appointments are on a first come first serve basis, and availability will be added weekly as allocations are made. Check back regularly if you are unable to secure an appointment the first time around.

Sam's Club:

  • Visit their website to check your eligibility for a COVID vaccine. Timing will be dependent on allocation from the Federal and State governments as well as phase eligibility. Clubs are receiving the vaccine at different times at a variety of locations. You can make your appointment by calling your local Sam's Club pharmacist or checking with the state health department for more information.
  • Only offer FDA-authorized vaccines by pharmacists with proper qualifications and special training.
  • You're required to bring both your pharmacy and medical health care insurance cards if they are different. Some health care plans pay for the administration fee through health benefits. Others may pay through the pharmacy benefit. Patients may also need eligibility documentation as required by the state to signify that they fall under the current priority groups.
  • Pharmacies have no control over which vaccines are in stock, so you may receive either Pfizer or Moderna.

Walmart Immunizations:

  • COVID-19 vaccines are now available for seniors 65 and older and other eligible patients. You can make an appointment on Walmart's website.

Additional Upcoming Vaccination Clinics

  • Pueblo County High School, April 27 4 to 9 p.m.
  • South High School, April 28 4 to 9 p.m.
  • St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1145 S. Aspen Rd. April 29, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Centennial High School - 2525 Mountview Dr. April 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • New Hope Baptist Church, 1229 W. 18th St. May 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Avondale), 240 E US Hwy. 50 Avondale, CO 81022 May 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • East High School, May 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Make an appointment ahead of time by visiting www.primarybio.com/r/centurapopup or call (720) 882-8065 between 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Appointments are preferred but walk-ups will be accepted.Other links to find vaccines:

  • To find vaccines near you, visit CDC approved website vaccinefinder.org to check vaccine availability at each location or schedule a vaccine appointment via each pharmacy’s website.
  • UnitedHealthcare launched an online COVID-19 vaccine resource locator tool. It's available in English and Spanish, simply type in your zip code and the tool will help you sign up for vaccine alerts, find an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine resources near you, and in some places, allow you to schedule an appointment to get a vaccine.
  • Colorado Department of Health and Environment's Prep Mod toolallows you to sign up for pre-registration or find clinics in your area. Pre-registering does not sign you up for an appointment. You will be contacted with more information on clinics being scheduled in your area.

Editors Note: this page will be updated as News5 learns more information on vaccine distribution in Colorado.

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Get the latest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Click here for the latest update on the number of cases, the age, gender and location of presumptive positive, indeterminate and confirmed cases from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for answers in many languages. Email COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.

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