It was one year ago on Friday (Dec. 17) that the first COVID-19 vaccines were given in Routt County. It was at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat. Registered nurse Erin Weber and emergency medicine physician Dr. Laila Powers were the first individuals as a nurse and physician, respectively, to receive the vaccine.

Since then, YVMC has administered nearly 14,000 vaccine doses with the UCHealth system delivering more than 800,000 doses statewide over the past year. UCHealth predicts that Omicron will become the predominant variant in Colorado by early next year so it’s important for all who are eligible to get vaccinated and boostered as soon as possible.

YVMC offers COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Wednesday mornings. Appointments are required. Please visit My Health Connection at www.uchealth.org/myhealthconnection to schedule an appointment and for specific dates and times as offerings are frequently updated. First, second, and third doses, as well as booster shots, are available. Please visit uchealth.org/covidvaccine for details.

COVID-19 vaccinations are also available throughout Routt County, at local pharmacies and medical practices.