DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination efforts in Colorado.
“It’s easier than ever before to get the life-saving vaccine, Colorado. You can stop by your closest drive-thru or walk-up clinic, pharmacy or at the community center down the road. It’s easy, it’s free, and most importantly, this vaccine is highly effective at protecting your health and the health of the people you love most,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We all have an important role to play in revving up Colorado’s economy and getting back to normal. To make that possible, it’s important that Coloradans take the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get this vaccine. It’s free and convenient.”
Colorado has made tremendous progress in protecting the state’s most vulnerable populations from this virus. Currently, 76% of Coloradans aged 70 and up are fully vaccinated, while over 85% of Coloradans in that age group have received at least one dose of the vaccine. For Coloradans aged 60 to 69, over 63% of this population is fully vaccinated. These two sectors have represented the majority of Colorado’s COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths throughout this pandemic.
Colorado is committed to ensuring that everyone who wants the vaccine can easily get one at no cost. To do that, the state has deployed a variety of tactics to meet Coloradans where they are, including six Community Vaccinations Sites in Adams, Denver, El Paso, Larimer, Mesa, and Pueblo counties. Colorado has also formed the Vaccine Equity Outreach Team to bring the vaccine to disproportionately impacted Coloradans through regional clinics that serve hard-to-reach populations. Through the Vaccine Equity Outreach Team, Colorado has stood up approximately 1,250 first and second-dose clinics, including mobile vaccine clinics in over 30 counties. Multiple mobile vaccine buses running throughout the state have delivered over 5,800 doses. In total, the mobile vaccine busses combined with other equity-based clinics have administered over 350,000 doses to underserved Coloradans.
More than 80 stops along these five mobile vaccination routes are scheduled through the end of May, with plans to continue adding stops based on community needs. To find a mobile vaccine bus near you, visit mobilevax.us/clinics.
Colorado is also working closely with a variety of health providers across the state to make it easy for Coloradans to get the COVID vaccine at their next doctor’s appointment. Coloradans can find the closest vaccine provider near them by visiting cocovidvaccine.org or dialing 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).
Employers, schools, and other organizations can also arrange to have a vaccine clinic set up at a worksite to vaccinate employees, students, and other members through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Employers interested in coordinating a vaccine clinic for free with the state can go to: atworkvaccinations.com to schedule a clinic.
Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist, also joined Governor Polis to share an update on Colorado’s plans to deliver the Pfizer vaccine to children aged 12 to 15 following the FDA approval.
“Youth are currently accounting for more new cases in the state as many older Coloradans have already taken the opportunity to receive the vaccine. In fact, the highest case rates are among middle school and high school students in the state,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist. “Access to the vaccine will help protect younger Coloradans as they go to school and return to a more normal life.”
Colorado expects to start administering the vaccine to 12 to 15-year-olds as soon as this week once the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices gives the final approval needed to administer the vaccine to this age group. ACIP is scheduled to meet May 12 to make a final decision.
View today’s press conference here.