FRIENDS of Broomfield Encourages Everyone to Get the Covid-19 Vaccination

FRIENDS wants to provide you with accurate information about the Covid-19 vaccine and the time frame for distribution so that you are making an independent and informed choice about getting vaccinated. 

Information about the Vaccine
The Covid-19 vaccine requires two doses given 3-4 weeks apart.  Both doses are needed to maximize your body’s ability to create antibodies against the virus. The vaccines work and are safe. They have passed all the tests needed to evaluate their safety and effectiveness, and the process has been overseen by the nation’s top scientist and doctors.  For more information on the safety of the vaccine, please go to here.

Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Our best understanding is Phase Two of vaccination distribution will likely capture individuals with IDD who attend day program and work who are not otherwise being identified as high risk in Phase One. FRIENDS is supporting the various advocacy groups that are communicating with Governor Polis to consider moving the IDD population ahead in the State’s phasing plan. 

Moderate-Risk Health Care Workers
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recently updated its three-phase plan and are including people that are considered moderate-risk health care workers in the 1B phase for vaccinations. Moderate-risk health care workers includes FRIENDS staff and host home providers providing direct care and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Time Frame for Receiving the Vaccine
FRIENDS has not been made aware of the specific timeframe of dispensing the vaccine to people in Phase 1B. We will inform you as soon as we have more information. 

How to Sign Up for a Vaccine
You can sign up NOW for the vaccine and you will be notified when you are eligible for the shot. There are two ways to sign up:

1.  Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is distributing the vaccine.  If you have health insurance with Kaiser you are a member of Kaiser Permanente and can register here. 

If you don’t have insurance through Kaiser you can still sign up to receive the vaccine through Kaiser Permanente here. 
 
2.  County Health Departments
You can sign up to be notified about vaccines with the health department of the county you reside in:

• Boulder County
• Broomfield County
• Adams County
• Denver County 
• Jefferson County
• Weld County

FRIENDS will continue to provide COVID-19 and vaccine information and updates.  

COVID Update

FRIENDS is grateful for all of our caregivers who have shown extreme flexibility as we've faced this pandemic, and who have quickly responded to the ever changing restrictions and requirements. 

The good news is Broomfield County is back on the Orange COVID level. This means:

• FRIENDS will continue to only have 25 people in the Day Program area each day. This includes the staff and people enrolled in the program.
• The Day Program staff continue to provide Zoom classes on a daily basis. 
• The Supported Employment staff continue to coach and support people in their jobs; making certain all COVID protocols are followed.  
• FRIENDS Social Program is offering a mix of limited in-person and Zoom activities as well as limited day outings.
• We have staff willing to provide RESPITE care for our providers needing a break from caregiving or INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT for those not able to receive services at the facility.

As a result of being on the Orange COVID level more of the administrative staff who work on the 2nd floor of the FRIENDS Building are able to work in the office more often. 

FRIENDS is committed to continuing our safety routine to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes daily health screenings, wearing masks, washing hands, daily cleaning and disinfecting the program area and maintaining social distancing. Again, we appreciate your support and are always open to your feedback.