With a new administration in Washington DC, updated federal production and distribution plans for COVID-19 vaccines are beginning to take shape, with significant ramifications for Colorado and Arapahoe County.

This week, Governor Polis outlined his latest vaccine blueprint, which was accompanied by the news that 7-day COVID case rates, along with hospitalizations, have been declining fairly steadily since December. His administration’s stated mission is to focus on the rapid deployment of vaccines in a way that will save the most lives and put the pandemic behind us. Initially, this means vaccinating a target of 70% of Colorado’s 70-and-older population by the end of February.

Also unveiled this week is the state’s new COVID vaccine hotline: 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926). This call center is staffed by up to 50 operators who can answer vaccine questions from the general public about all aspects of the process. Beginning Feb. 1, the hotline will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Arapahoe County officials will provide their own vaccination update on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 pm. This hourlong virtual town hall will feature commissioners from Adams and Douglas counties, as well as medical experts from Tri-County Health, who will be on hand to answer residents’ questions.

To get the latest local information about vaccine availability throughout the tri-county area, visit the Tri-County Health Department’s vaccine information page, which includes resources such as vaccine sites, what to expect and other FAQs.