The New Mexico Department of Health on Monday announced that vaccineNM.org registrants who are 40 years and older can now schedule their own COVID-19 vaccine appointments. To do so, users simply log in to vaccineNM.org using their confirmation code and date of birth, choose their location, and then select from available appointments in their area.

Event codes for New Mexicans 40-plus are no longer required, though they are required for younger populations.

“This has always been the goal – to provide New Mexicans as much flexibility as possible in scheduling their vaccine appointments,” said Dr. Tracie Collins, DOH Cabinet Secretary.

As of April 5, everyone 16 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“In the coming weeks, we intend to offer self-scheduling for all New Mexicans 16 years and older,” Collins said.

If a user does not immediately find an available appointment, DOH encourages them to check back again. Providers are continually updating their appointment schedules.

Seniors and those with disabilities can also call 800-432-2080 for support with registration and scheduling.

According to its website, the Navajo Nation did not report a new death from COVID-19 in the past week, and only two new infections were reported during the same period. Tribal officials credit safety precautions like their mask mandate and curfews and urge residents to remain vigilant due to the continuing spread of COVID-19 variants across the Southwest.

All 50 U.S. states have now made U.S. adults over the age of 16 eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, successfully meeting the April 19 deadline set by President Biden. More than half of the country’s adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine and about a third are fully vaccinated.

Last Thursday DOH reported that 4,001 New Mexicans have died due to COVID-19.

As of Tuesday, Apr. 20, Socorro County has reported 1,299 cumulative cases and 56 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Of those testing positive for the disease, 1,168 have recovered.

DOH urges New Mexicans to continue following all DOH- and CDC-recommended safe practices, including:

  • Wearing a mask that covers their nose and mouth.
  • Staying 6 feet apart from others outside of their household.
  • Getting a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to them.
  • Avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Washing their hands often with soap and water or using hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

The U.S. is now administering approximately 3.2 million doses daily. At this rate, the U.S. is on pace to vaccinate 70 percent of the population by mid-June, but vaccine hesitancy and the lack of FDA-authorized vaccines for children could still impose hurdles on the country’s path to herd immunity.

Individuals who would like more information on how they can protect themselves and their loved ones can visit vaccineNM.org/facts.

 

El Defensor Chieftain