Boosted Coloradans 47 times less likely to be hospitalized with COVID than unvaccinated people
AURORA - Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on the state of the pandemic in Colorado at a drive-thru vaccine and booster clinic in Aurora and was joined by Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman.
Governor Polis discussed Colorado’s vaccination progress since the vaccine first arrived in Colorado one year ago, with more than 4 million Coloradans having received at least one dose including 81% of Coloradans 12 and older and 25% of 5-11 year olds have received their first dose to date. The Governor also provided an update on the spread of the omicron variant and emphasized that while Colorado has confirmed five cases and one case of community spread, vaccines, boosters, and masks provide the highest level of protection against all known variants.
“It’s a dangerous time to be unvaccinated so please check out fact-based and scientific information today if you’re still on the fence and get vaccinated and boosted. Our administration is committed to partnering with local governments to stand up drive-thru sites like the Aurora Municipal Center and large-scale vaccination sites which have the capacity to serve thousands of Coloradans,” said Gov. Polis. “Spread holiday cheer this year, not COVID, so get vaccinated and get boosted today.”
Data shows that boosted Coloradans are 47 times less likely to be hospitalized with COVID than unvaccinated people.
“It’s extremely important now more than before for our community members, co-workers, and loved ones to get vaccinated. The science has proven that vaccines are the best tool we have to keep ourselves and everyone around us safe in our communities where we can enjoy each other over the holidays. I thank Governor Polis and teams at the state for partnering with Aurora to deliver thousands of doses and look forward to continued collaboration to stop the spread of COVID-19," added Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman.
State Senator Janet Buckner of Aurora encouraged community members who have not yet made the decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to seek the guidance of a medical professional and related the importance of vaccinations to celebrate the holidays safely.
"This pandemic has hit our community here in Aurora hard, and new variants like the Omicron variant continue threatening to disrupt our lives and set back our recovery. We all want life to get back to normal, and the best way to do that is by getting the shot, which is why I encourage everyone to get vaccinated or to get their booster as soon as possible,” said Senator Janet Buckner of Aurora. “If you have any questions, please talk to your doctor, and say yes to the vaccine so you and your family can celebrate safely together this holiday season."
Governor Polis acknowledged that capacity at certain local pharmacies for booster doses has been limited depending on the location. To make getting an additional dose of the vaccine as quick and convenient as possible for people who have faced challenges getting appointments, the state has launched nine large sites in communities. Many of the following sites are able to take walk-ups when there are available doses:
Aurora Municipal Center - drive through - 250 doses per day Mon-Thurs; 1,000 doses per day Fri-Sun
- 15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012
- Days of operation: 7 days a week
- [CORRECTED] Hours of operation: Mon-Thurs 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fri-Sun 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Doses: 250 doses per day (Mon-Thurs), 1,000 doses per day (Fri-Sun)
Ball Arena: - mobile vaccination site - walk-ups available - 500 doses per clinic
- 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
- Saturday, December 18: Noon - 8:30 p.m. (Avalanche game at 7 p.m.)
- Thursday, December 23: Noon - 8:30 p.m. (Nuggets game at 7 p.m.)
- Dec. 29: 1:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (Avalanche game)
- Dec. 30: Noon - 8:30 p.m. (Nuggets game)
- Dec. 31: 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Mammoth game)
Arapahoe Community College (Lot B) - 250 doses per day
- 5900 S Santa Fe Drive, Littleton CO, 80120
- Days of operation: 7 days a week
- Hours of operation: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Chapel Hills Mall - 1000 doses per day
- 1710 Briargate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
- Days of operation: 7 days a week
- Hours of operation: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Citadel Mall (parking lot next to JCPenney) - 250 doses per day
- 680 Citadel Dr E, Colorado Springs CO, 80909
- Days of operation: Monday - Saturday
- Hours of operation: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Douglas County Fairgrounds - 250 doses per day Mon-Thurs, and 1,000 doses per day Fri-Sun
- 500 Fairgrounds Rd, Castle Rock, CO
- Days of operation: 7 days a week
- Hours of operation: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Jefferson Marketplace - 250 doses per day
- 8194 South Kipling Parkway, Littleton CO, 80127
- Tuesday-Sunday
- 9:00 am - 06:45 pm
Mesa County Community Services Building - 250 doses per day
- 510 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504
- Wednesday-Saturday
- Hours of operation: Wed-Fri: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
La Plata County Fairgrounds - 250 doses per day
- 2500 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
- Days of operation: Monday - Saturday
- Hours of operation: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Pueblo Mall - -250 doses per day Tuesday-Thursday; 1,000 doses per day Fri, Sat, Sun
- 3201 Dillon Drive, Pueblo, CO 81008
- Days of operation: Tuesday - Sunday
- Hours of operation: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Weld County Clerk and Recorder Building - 250 doses per day
- 1250 H Street, Greeley, CO 80631
- Days of operation: Tuesday - Saturday
- Hours of operation: Tues., Thurs,. Fri.: 8:30 a.m. - 6:10 p.m.; Wed: 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.; Sat: 8:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m.
Coloradans can take advantage of opportunities to become healthier, happier, and protected from the virus by visiting one of the state’s community vaccination sites. The full list of clinic locations and times is available at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine.