FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases
due to the Omicron variant. As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County
Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings
and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community
transmission declines. If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be
worn.
CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep
children in school, and our economy open:
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you’re eligible.
• Get a COVID-19 booster if you’re eligible.
• Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor
settings.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Conduct meetings and gatherings virtually when possible.
“We have the tools to fight COVID-19 variants. The best protection against the illness is
to get vaccinated and boosted,” CCHHS Director Kim Musselman said. “The COVID-19
vaccines continue to be remarkably effective in reducing risk of severe disease,
hospitalization, and death.”
“We encourage Coconino County staff and all residents to consider what is essential
right now. If you can skip an indoor in-person gathering, you should. Instead, consider
the virtual options we have available to us to connect with coworkers, friends, and
family.” said Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Matt Ryan.
COVID-19 booster doses offer additional protection against the virus, as immunity from
COVID-19 vaccines wane over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) recently authorized a single booster dose of the Pfizer mRNA vaccine for
children ages 12 -17. The CDC also updated guidance for the timing of the Pfizer
booster dose, allowing individuals 12 years and older who have completed their initial
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series, to receive a booster shot at least five months after
completing their initial vaccine series. Moderna booster doses are available six months
following the initial vaccination series.
Booster doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were previously approved by the
CDC for all adults 18 years and older at least two months after their initial dose.
Individuals should bring their COVID-19 vaccination card with them when they receive
their booster dose. COVID-19 vaccines are provided at no cost.
To find a vaccination location, please visit https://www.coconino.az.gov/2580/COVID19-Vaccination-Locations.
