Flu and COVID-19 season is here — running from October to May in the Northern Hemisphere — and Estes Park is already feeling the impact.
Estes Valley Voice editor Patti Brown tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago after covering a large public event. “I thought at first this was a robust head cold, but after learning that several people who attended the event had COVID, I took a home test. I didn’t need to wait 15 minutes for results — it was obviously positive very quickly,” Brown said.
Brown’s symptoms included aches and pains, a hearty cough, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. She has since recovered.
New guidelines create confusion
Immunization recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this fall have varied. The agency’s Oct. 6 announcement added another layer of uncertainty: while influenza shots are still recommended for those six months and over, the CDC now recommends that those considering a COVID-19 shot first consult a physician.
Current data shows low activity
As of Sept. 23, the CDC estimates that respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, are low in Colorado and declining. This data is based on emergency room visits and doesn’t include those who test positive at home and treat symptoms independently.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment found increasing evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in just two of 20 utilities reporting statewide as of Oct. 3, with zero reports of influenza or RSV detected.
Kori Wilford, spokesperson for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, explained that while the county no longer tests for wastewater traces of contamination for respiratory illnesses, it monitors respiratory illness trends through emergency room visits, the state’s respiratory virus dashboard, and coordination with local hospital systems.
“If there is any indication that hospitals are getting full or they’re seeing respiratory illnesses, we’ll do more public education about getting vaccinated and staying home when you’re sick,” Wilford said.
Why vaccination still matters
While national data show a relatively low incidence of respiratory viruses overall, germs are clearly circulating. Vaccination is especially important in communities like Estes Park, where more than 40 percent of the population is over 60. According to the CDC, more than 81 percent of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over 65, a rate 97 times higher than among people ages 18 to 29.
Family physician Timothy Nagel of Salud Family Health in Estes Park emphasized that COVID-19 vaccination remains important for certain groups. “I do think it’s a good idea for older people and people with other health problems to be vaccinated with COVID. The benefit outweighs the risk.”
Nagel also stressed community protection: “The reasons you’d want to recommend COVID and flu immunizations are not only to protect the patient but also your parents or grandparents.”
“Influenza — everyone over 6 months should be immunized for their own protection, but also to protect the older and at-risk population,” Nagel explained.
Where to get vaccinated in Estes Park
Estes Park Health (555 Prospect Ave.) will hold vaccine clinics Wednesday, Oct. 22, and Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are required. Contact: 970-586-2200.
Safeway Pharmacy (451 E Wonderview Ave.) offers walk-ins or online scheduling. Vaccines are available with a 10-percent off grocery coupon through Dec. 31, 2025. Contact: 970-577-8226. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pharmacy is closed from 1:30 to 2 p.m. daily for lunch.
Rocky Mountain Pharmacy (455 E Wonderview Ave. B1) accepts walk-ins by completing an online form at rockymountainpharmacy.com. Contact: 970-586-5577. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Most insurance plans cover both vaccines, but check with your provider about vaccine coverage beforehand. Without insurance, the cost of COVID shots can range between $225 and $250.