DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, reminding Coloradans that the pandemic is not yet behind us as COVID-19 related hospitalizations continue to increase across the state with almost 90% of the state’s ICU beds currently occupied. Governor Polis was joined by Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, and COVID 19 Incident Commander Scott Bookman.
"It’s an extremely dangerous time to be unvaccinated in Colorado right now. Our hospitals are filling up with the unvaccinated and some won’t make it out," said Governor Polis. "To stem this tide the unvaccinated need to get vaccinated, and until they are protected avoid indoor gatherings and wear a mask around others. Those who are already vaccinated can help themselves and loved ones by getting a COVOD-19 booster and the flu shot. Coloradans can end this pandemic if we do this together."
Colorado is facing a strain on our hospital capacity as most Coloradans are back to living their normal lives, leading to more accidents and hospitalizations, while the state is also seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, the majority of which are among the unvaccinated that lead to hospitalization.
Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, provided an overview of COVID-19 case rates in Colorado. “The increases that we are seeing in hospitalizations are across all age groups,” said Dr. Herlihy. “The rates are increasing a little more rapidly though in some of our older populations, specifically in our 70+ population. This is an important reminder of the importance of booster doses to protect individuals who are at a higher risk of severe disease, especially hospitalization or death.”
To free up hospital capacity, Governor Polis reminded all Coloradans to get their flu and COVID-19 shot and encouraged eligible Coloradans to get their booster COVID shot. Research by Pfizer showed in a large study that booster shots are highly effective, especially against the highly contagious Delta variant. The effectiveness of the vaccine with a booster shoots up to over 95.6% effective, according to Pfizer’s study released today, Oct. 21.
Scott Bookman, COVID 19 Incident Commander, also gave an update on the hospitalization capacity situation in the state.
“As of today, we have 1,130 people hospitalized and the state only has 934 beds remaining. Surgeries are being canceled, brain surgeries, heart surgeries are being delayed because of a lack of availability to provide care to those patients due to the impact of COVID hospitalizations,” said Scott Bookman. “I join the Governor and Dr. Herlihy in urging all Coloradans who have not yet been vaccinated to take that step to get their first shot. And I also urge those that are eligible to get their booster to do so as soon as possible.”
The Food and Drug Administration, as of yesterday, released new recommendations regarding booster shots of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. The Johnson & Johnson booster was authorized by the FDA for anyone 18 and over. The Moderna booster, a half-dose of the original shot, was authorized by the FDA for people 65 and older and everyone who works around others at their job. Additionally, the FDA authorized a mix and match approach where eligible individuals can receive a booster dose after their primary series from any of the approved vaccines.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted on all of these recommendations today and soon the CDC Director is expected to also sign off on the recommendations, which will lead to final approval for boosters of Moderna and J&J. To date, nearly 8% of Coloradans have received their booster shot and it is expected that number will quickly rise once ACIP signs off on the boosters of J&J and Moderna. Booster shots will not just add additional immunity but will also help protect young children who are not yet vaccinated and other vulnerable populations.
To find a vaccination site near you, visit covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine.