CDPHE: Fairs, concerts, and community centers added to statewide COVID-19 vaccine clinics calendar

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: CDPHE

Community vaccination clinics continue including evening clinic at La Música de Tu Pueblo concert

STATEWIDE (April 22, 2022) — Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment continues its statewide COVID-19 vaccination campaign this week with clinics scheduled at a variety of community locations including community fairs, community centers, and a special evening clinic at La Música de Tu Pueblo concert at the state fairgrounds. In addition to these events, a full list of COVID-19 vaccine clinics can be found on our website, as well as a list of nearly 2,000 vaccine providers throughout Colorado. We encourage appointments for all clinics, and walk-ups are accepted while vaccine inventory is available each day.  

Community Fairs

Garfield County Child Safety Fair at Rifle Middle School (753 Railroad Ave., Rifle, CO 81650)

Friday, April 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled here.

Families are invited to attend the Garfield County Child Safety Fair Friday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy free food and giveaways, learn safety information, and find local resources for children and families in our communities. In addition, there will be music, dancers, and other entertainment.

La Música de Tu Pueblo State Fair at the Colorado State Fairgrounds (1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004)

Saturday, April 23, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled here.

La Música de Tu Pueblo live concert with Banda Machos, Ana Barbara and Luis Coronel. Doors open at 6 p.m. and show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the link above. 

Loveland Library-Preschool Readiness Fair  (300 N. Adams Ave., Loveland, CO 80537)

Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled here.

Family Fun and Preschool Fair for children birth to 8 years old! Join us on Saturday, April 23rd from 11am – 1pm for an afternoon of FUN including learning activities for kids, book giveaways, family resources, community vehicles, preschool information and SNACKS! The event is free and will be outdoors! (weather permitting)

Community Centers

The Center on Colfax parking lot (1301 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80218)

Tuesday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled here.

The Center is a safe and welcoming place for Colorado’s proud, diverse LGBTQ community. We are focused on ensuring that every member of the LGBTQ community has access to the programs and resources they need to live happy, healthy, and productive lives.

Nederland Community Center (Hwy. 750, 72 N., Nederland, CO 80426)

Thursday, April 28, 4-6 p.m. No scheduling link available but walk ups are accepted. 

Nederland Community Center serves the greater Nederland area and provides space for community gatherings, town board and municipal court meetings, fitness and dance classes, and concerts and performances.

The clinics listed above offer Pfizer 12+, Pfizer for children age 5-11, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and flu vaccines. While walk-ups will be accepted based on availability, appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made online using the link in each listing. 

Vaccines are the safest, most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants and to help avoid the worst outcomes (severe illness, hospitalization, and death) among those who do become infected. Staying up to date with all recommended doses is the best way to keep up protection for you, your loved ones, and the community.  Everyone ages 5 years and older should get at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone ages 12 years and older should get at least three doses for the highest level of protection. 

Find out how many follow-up doses you or your child will need for the highest level of protection with our new Covid-19 Follow-up Dose Calculator. It is recommended that some people get four or five doses depending on their age and medical conditions.

Many vaccine clinics offer everything a family needs to get the highest level of protection: first and second doses, pediatric doses, and the important third and fourth doses. Most clinics also offer flu vaccine, and it is safe to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and  flu vaccine on the same day. Read our complete listing of where you can get vaccinated. 

Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

Media advisory – Members of the media interested in covering an event should contact media_info@state.co.us to discuss options before arriving at the location. 


INFORMACIÓN SEGUIDA EN ESPAÑOL 

Ferias, conciertos, y centros comunitarios se agregan al calendario de clínicas de vacunación contra el COVID-19 a través de Colorado

Las clínicas comunitarias de vacunación siguen ofreciendo servicios (incluyendo una clínica nocturna en el concierto de La Música De Tu Pueblo)

COLORADO (22 de abril de 2022) — El Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado prosigue esta semana su campaña de vacunación contra el COVID-19 a través del Estado con clínicas programadas en varias localidades, incluyendo ferias, centros comunitarios, y una clínica especial a realizarse por la noche durante el concierto de La Música de Tu Pueblo en el recinto ferial. Aparte de estos eventos, podrá encontrar una lista completa de las clínicas de vacunación contra el COVID-19 en nuestro sitio web, así como una lista de casi 2,000 proveedores de vacunas en todo Colorado. Se insta a los interesados a registrarse con antelación (si bien se puede concurrir sin cita previa en la medida en que las dosis diarias disponibles no se agoten).  

Ferias comunitarias

Garfield County Child Safety Fair en Rifle Middle School (753 Railroad Ave., Rifle, CO 81650)

Viernes 29 de abril, de 9 a.m. a 3 p.m. Las citas pueden programarse aquí.

Se invita a las familias a asistir a la Garfield County Child Safety Fair el viernes 29 de abril de 11 a.m. a 2 p.m. Disfrute de comida gratis y regalos, aprenda sobre seguridad y encuentre recursos a nivel local para los niños y las familias de nuestras comunidades. Habrá además música, baile y otros entretenimientos.

La Música De Tu Pueblo State Fair en el Colorado State Fairgrounds (1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004).

Sábado 23 de abril, de 6 p.m. a 8:30 p.m. Las citas pueden programarse aquí.

Concierto en directo de La Música De Tu Pueblo con la Banda Machos, Ana Bárbara y Luis Coronel. Las puertas se abrirán a las 6 p.m. y el espectáculo comenzará a las 7 p.m. Las entradas están disponibles haciendo clic en el enlace anterior. 

Loveland Library-Preschool Readiness Fair  (300 N. Adams Ave., Loveland, CO 80537)

Sábado 23 de abril, de 11 a.m. a 6 p.m. Las citas pueden programarse aquí.

¡Una feria divertida para la familia y los interesados en educación prescolar! Pensada para niños (desde bebés hasta los 8 años de edad). Acompáñenos este sábado 23 de abril de 11 a.m. a 1 p.m.; hemos organizado una tarde de diversión que incluirá actividades de aprendizaje para niños, regalos de libros, recursos para la familia, información sobre educación preescolar y ¡golosinas! ¡El evento es gratuito y se hará al aire libre! (si las condiciones climáticas lo permiten).

Centros Comunitarios

Estacionamiento de The Center on Colfax (1301 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80218)

Viernes 26 de abril, de 10 a.m. a 6 p.m. Las citas pueden programarse aquí.

El Centro de Colfax es un lugar seguro y acogedor para nuestra honrosa y diversa comunidad LGBTQ de Colorado. Nuestro objetivo es asegurarnos de que cada miembro de la comunidad LGBTQ tenga acceso a los programas y recursos que necesita para así poder vivir una vida feliz, saludable y productiva.

Nederland Community Center (HWY  750, 72 N., Nederland, CO 80426)

Jueves, 28 de abril, de 4 p.m. a 6 p.m. No es posible registrarse con antelación, pero se puede acudir sin cita previa. El Centro Comunitario de Nederland presta servicios a la zona de Nederland y ofrece lugar para reuniones comunitarias, reuniones de la junta y del tribunal municipal, clases de fitness y de baile, conciertos y demás funciones.

Las clínicas mencionadas anteriormente ofrecen vacunas Pfizer para mayores de 12 años, Pfizer para niños de 5 a 11 años, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna y vacunas contra la gripe. Si bien, siempre que haya disponibilidad, se puede acudir sin cita previa, se insta encarecidamente a los interesados a programar sus citas con antelación usando el enlace que figura junto a cada centro de vacunación. 

Las vacunas constituyen la herramienta más segura y eficaz para frenar la propagación del COVID-19 y sus variantes, así como para ayudar a que los infectados no sufran los peores desenlaces posibles que el virus es capaz de provocar: cuadro de enfermedad grave, hospitalización o muerte. Para usted, sus seres queridos y la comunidad, estar al día con todas las dosis recomendadas es la mejor manera de mantenerse protegidos.  Cualquier mayor de 5 años debe recibir al menos dos dosis de la vacuna. Todos los mayores de 12 años deben aplicarse al menos tres dosis para alcanzar el máximo nivel de protección. 

Averigüe cuántas dosis suplementarias necesitarán usted o su niño para obtener el máximo nivel de protección utilizando la herramienta calculadora de dosis suplementarias. Se recomienda a algunas personas, dependiendo de su edad y sus afecciones de naturaleza médica, que reciban cuatro o cinco dosis.

Muchas de las clínicas de vacunación ofrecen todo lo que su familia necesita para obtener la más alta protección: primeras y segundas dosis, dosis pediátricas y terceras y cuartas dosis de fundamental importancia. La mayoría de las clínicas también ofrecen vacunas contra la gripe. Aplicarse ambas vacunas (COVID y gripe) el mismo día es seguro. Encuentre aquí la lista completa de los lugares donde usted puede vacunarse. 

Continúe manteniéndose informado visitando covid19.colorado.gov.

Aviso a los medios de comunicación – Aquellos que trabajan en medios interesados en cubrir un evento deberán comunicarse con media_info@state.co.us para averiguar antes de asistir cuáles son las opciones disponibles. 

CDPHE: Fairs, concerts, and community centers added to statewide COVID-19 vaccine clinics calendar

Governor Polis Takes Action in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Governor

DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order amending and extending directives that will help ensure that agencies have continued access to State and federal funding to respond quickly to protect public health and allocate state resources responsibly to focus on recovery. 

This Executive Order ends the suspension of statutes for out of state emergency medical service personnel, which is no longer necessary.  

Governor Polis Takes Action in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

CDHSEM: Polis administration providing free KN95 and surgical-grade masks to Colorado libraries and community centers

Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Free surgical-grade mask program builds upon state efforts to distribute millions of free masks to schools

DENVER — In support of the State of Colorado’s ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and to assist in the mitigation of virus spread, the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) will offer KN95 and surgical grade masks for free at public libraries, fire stations, recreation centers, VFWs, YMCAs, and high traffic community centers that have agreed to be local redistribution points. Masks will be available later this week and distribution sites are listed at covid19.colorado.gov/freemasks

This is part of an ongoing effort by the state to provide high quality personal protective equipment to Coloradans who might be especially at risk during the pandemic and future public health emergencies. With the ongoing surge of the COVID-19 omicron variant, the state recommends people upgrade from cloth masks to medical-grade masks like KN95 or surgical  masks.

“We are on a mission to help Coloradans keep themselves safe, and free medical grade masks are far more effective in preventing infection than cloth masks. By making free medical grade masks available at libraries across our state and soon for home delivery, we are giving Coloradans a powerful tool to avoid infection. We will continue to meet Coloradans where they are at when it comes to accessing the doctor approved vaccine, free testing at community sites, free tests delivered to your home and now providing free, surgical grade masks directly to communities,” said Gov. Polis.

“Colorado is leading the nation in COVID-19 response starting with our free at-home testing program and now or free distribution of high quality KN95 and surgical-grade masks,” Kevin Klein, Director of the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said. “We are meeting the moment by ensuring that Coloradans have access to these masks to protect themselves and stop the spread of the virus.”

“Throughout this pandemic, we’ve prioritized equity and making sure all Coloradans have access to vaccines and other resources to protect themselves, their families, and communities. This mask program is another example of our commitment to end this pandemic,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE. “Wearing a mask and following public health protocols provides additional protection for Coloradans on top of getting the life-saving vaccine.”

Vaccination and mask wearing are the two most important tools Coloradans can use to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Now that all Coloradans age 5 and older have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, masks are only required in certain places for people who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. However, Coloradans, who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, may choose to protect themselves by wearing masks in public indoor places. 

Local communities and businesses may have additional mask restrictions. CDPHE encourages all Coloradans to keep masks with them in public and wear them if asked.

Everyone age 2 and older must still wear masks on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. This is required by federal law for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

CDHSEM: Polis administration providing free KN95 and surgical-grade masks to Colorado libraries and community centers

Governor Polis Takes Action in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Governor

DENVER – Governor Polis took action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Governor Polis amended and extended an Executive Order pertaining to Disaster Recovery. This amendment allocates funds to the Colorado Department of Public Safety for COVID-19 related purposes.

The Governor also extended an Executive Order pertaining to hospital transfers that authorizes the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to order hospitals and freestanding emergency departments to transfer,  cease admission, or redirect patients in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The extension of the Executive Order will help to ensure that Coloradans have adequate care as we continue to combat COVID-19, promote public health, and protect the ability of hospitals to serve those with COVID-19 and other conditions. 

Governor Polis Takes Action in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Governor: 20.6% of Colorado 5 – 11 year-olds have received at least one dose of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine

Colorado Governor’s Office

The Polis administration announced today that Colorado’s vaccination rate for first doses among the 5-11 age group has surpassed 20%, making Colorado the eighth highest in the United States trailing only seven other states.

“It’s great to see so many of Colorado’s kids and parents making a common-sense decision to protect themselves against this dangerous virus by getting the safe and effective vaccine and leading other western states in the process. We need more Coloradans to follow the example set by our young people who are doing their part to help put this pandemic behind us and protect their health so we can get back to enjoying the Colorado we love,” said Governor Polis. 

As of this morning, 98,848 Colorado children in this age group (20.6% of the estimated 5-11 population in Colorado)  have received at least one dose of the two-dose pediatric Pfizer vaccine since the CDC approved it earlier this month. Additionally, 5,617 or 0.6% have received their second dose.

Last week, the state expanded three large community sites to provide additional vaccines and boosters. The state is working with Children’s Hospital Colorado and other providers within the state to make more appointments available. Zoos, museums, rec centers, and libraries across the state are hosting clinics where whole families can receive a first, second, or third dose or a booster. Parents can find upcoming clinics for children on our vaccine finder webpage or on Vaccines.gov

CDPHE continues to recommend parents and guardians make a plan to get their children vaccinated. Vaccines are the safest, most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help avoid the worst outcomes — severe illness, hospitalization, and death — among those who do become infected. Getting vaccinated means kids can look forward to holiday activities, participate in extracurricular activities, have fewer interruptions to in-person learning, and see family and friends without worrying as much about getting COVID-19 or having to quarantine and miss out.

Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov

Governor: 20.6% of Colorado 5 – 11 year-olds have received at least one dose of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine

Gov. Polis celebrates 5 to 11 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial participants, provides update on COVID

DENVER – Today on the west steps of the state capitol, Governor Jared Polis celebrated a group of Colorado children ages 5 to 11 who participated in the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trials. Governor Polis was joined by Dr. Eric Simoes, Primary Investigator of the Pfizer trial at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

“What an honor to celebrate some really heroic kids and parents who volunteered to try out the vaccine months ago to ensure that it was safe and effective for the rest of us. Thanks to their bravery, thousands of children across Colorado are now able to access the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine. On behalf of a grateful state, I thank the scientists, researchers, and trial participants who brought this lifesaving vaccine to us,” said Governor Polis. “Now Colorado’s children have access to the COVID-19 vaccine and parents can have the much-deserved peace of mind that their children are protected from this virus. As kids across the state roll up their sleeves to get the vaccine, I urge my fellow parents and those who have put off getting protected to listen to the science and get the effective COVID-19 vaccine.”

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now authorized and widely available for kids ages 5 to 11. So far, Colorado has administered at least 11,049 doses to children between the ages of 5 to 11 years old with the goal of reaching 50% vaccinated in the 5 to 11-year-old age group by the end of January. 

75 participants from the Pfizer trial for 5-11-year-olds at Children’s Hospital Colorado, the largest trial site in the country, joined Governor Polis today where they were presented certificates for their participation in helping get the effective COVID-19 vaccine approved for kids. Governor Polis also recognized the clinical research team at Children’s Hospital Colorado who dedicated their time and efforts to ensure the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids was thoroughly tested and deemed safe for children. 

“To our trial participants, your contributions are the reason why children ages 5 to 11 can get their vaccine. I thank our researchers and senior management at Children’s Hospital Colorado as without them this wouldn’t happen,” said Dr. Eric Simoes, Primary Investigator of the Pfizer trial at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “As principal investigator of this site, one of the largest in the world, I believe in the science behind this vaccine. As a father, doctor and researcher I encourage everyone to get the vaccine.” 

Governor Polis also provided an update on the COVID-19 pandemic in Colorado, noting that currently one out of every 48 Coloradans is infected with COVID-19 due to the highly transmissible Delta variant. Fewer than 120 ICU beds remain in the state right now and Colorado is seeing the lowest number of overall available beds than at any other point in the pandemic. 

To help hospitals ease the strain on their capacity, Colorado launched five mobile buses last week that will distribute monoclonal therapy to those infected with COVID-19. This therapy helps to alleviate mild to moderate COVID-19 cases to prevent them from becoming so severe it requires hospitalization. Additionally, over 160 providers across the state are offering monoclonal therapy. 

If you were recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and think you might be eligible, you can talk with your primary care provider about getting a referral and visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/covid-19-treatments to find a treatment location near you.

View today’s press conference.

Gov. Polis celebrates 5 to 11 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial participants, provides update on COVID

Gov. Polis provides update on COVID-19 cases, boosters, and monoclonal antibody treatment

Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Polis was joined by Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist, and Incident Commander Scott Bookman.

“We hit an amazing accomplishment in the fight against COVID-19 yesterday by reaching 80% of adults vaccinated across Colorado with at least one dose of the lifesaving and free COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Polis. “But this milestone is nowhere near signaling that COVID-19 is over. Instead, Colorado is in the middle of record COVID-19 case transmission levels and close to record hospitalization rates largely coming from the unvaccinated minority in our state, who make up the vast majority of hospitalizations in all age groups. Currently, 1 out of every 51 Coloradans is infected with the virus. It’s critical now that every Coloradan takes advantage of every tool available to slow and stop the spread of COVID, with the most effective tool being the vaccine.”

Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist, provided an overview of the current hospitalization and COVID-19 case rates across the state. 

“Over the last few days, we have seen an increase in hospitalizations across the state. As of today, we have 1,847 Coloradans hospitalized,” said Dr. Herlihy.  “That is the highest number we have seen in Colorado this year.  Given these numbers, it’s critical that unvaccinated Coloradans get vaccinated to drive down hospitalizations and slow the spread of COVID.”

Governor Polis reminded Coloradans that booster does for fully vaccinated Coloradans also play an important role in slowing and stopping the spread of COVID by providing an additional layer of immunity. Coloradans who work around others are at a heightened risk of contracting the virus and should get their booster as soon as they are six months past their second dose or two months if they received Johnson and Johnson. Coloradans can receive any of the approved boosters as the CDC approved a mix and match approach, meaning you don’t need to get the same COVID-19 vaccine as your booster despite what you received as your original vaccine. 

Incident Commander Scott Bookman provided an overview of how monoclonal antibody treatments play an important part in the fight against COVID if you are eligible to receive the treatment. 

“We continue to see the pandemic of the unvaccinated in our hospitals. The most important thing people can do to prevent hospitalizations is getting the vaccine,” said Scott Bookman, Incident Commander. “But we are also learning that monoclonal antibodies play an important role in preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations. Colorado is working hard to increase access to monoclonal treatment across the state, with 161 providers already enrolled to provide this treatment.” 

In order to receive monoclonal antibody treatment, the first step is finding out if you have COVID-19 or not. COVID-19 testing continues to be critical in identifying cases and slowing the spread of COVID-19. Those who are eligible for monoclonal treatments also have to meet the following eligibility criteria: 

  • Adult or pediatric patients (at least 12 years of age)
  • Have tested positive for COVID-19
  • Are experiencing mild or moderate symptoms of COVID-19 prior to hospitalization
  • Experienced your first symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 10 days
  • Are at high risk of having more serious symptoms of COVID-19 and/or going into the hospital, including having an underlying medical condition

To find a monoclonal treatment site near you visit:

 covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/covid-19-treatments 

Additionally, Colorado continues to offer free, readily available testing sites across the state. To find a testing site near you, visit: covid19.colorado.gov/testing

The state of Colorado is also planning several clinics to vaccinate children ages 5 to 11 once the COVID-19 vaccine is fully approved by the CDC, which is expected at any moment. Once fully federally approved, entire families can accompany their children at these clinics to receive their COVID-19 booster, first or second dose, or even their flu shot. Additional details about these clinics will be made available once the CDC signs off on the vaccine for children. 

View today’s press conference.

Gov. Polis provides update on COVID-19 cases, boosters, and monoclonal antibody treatment

Gov. Polis provides update on COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines and boosters

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. 

“We have the ability to end the pandemic and get back to the Colorado we love but we need more Coloradans to get the lifesaving, and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Hospital beds across the state are filling up with COVID patients, most of which are unvaccinated but it doesn’t have to be this way,” said Governor Polis. “We have all the tools we need to defeat this pandemic. The risk of hospitalization if you are vaccinated and contract COVID is very low but much higher, almost a 1 in 10 chance, if you are unvaccinated. Show that you love yourself and that you support your friends and family by getting vaccines. Get protected, get vaccinated, and get boosted,” Governor Polis added.

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. 

Gov. Polis provides update on COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines and boosters

Gov. Polis Announces New COVID-19 Community

Vaccination Sites & Launch of At-Home Testing Program 

DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where he shared an overview of the state’s plan to administer booster shots, an announcement of the opening of several community vaccination sites, and provided information about a new at-home testing program provided by the state.  Governor Polis was joined by Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist. 

“I’m proud that Colorado has the sixth-lowest COVID-19 rates in the country, but in order to lower that even further and effectively end this pandemic, our state must always have a comprehensive approach to combating this virus,” said Governor Polis. “ The opening of four community vaccination sites will help us efficiently roll out even more vaccines while making COVID-19 testing available right from the comfort of your home will aid our state in slowing and stopping the spread of COVID-19. The virus is not tired of us, Coloradans, so we must use every tool in the toolbox to defeat this pandemic. But it’s scientifically proven and clear that our most effective tool in this fight is the lifesaving, free and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Trust the science and get your vaccine today.” 

Governor Polis announced the revamp of the state’s COVID-19 testing program which will now offer Rapid-At-Home testing to Coloradans directly in their homes without the need to have a medical professional witness test administration. The state has purchased 2 million Binax rapid tests. Individuals can sign up to have tests delivered straight to their homes at: covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-testing-at-home.  

Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist, provided an update on the state of COVID in Colorado. 

“There is some variability in what we are seeing in ICU capacity across the state. While Colorado’s COVID-19 rates have started to go down, we are still seeing some higher rates in northern parts of the state. Counties that tend to have the highest hospitalization rates tend to be the counties with the lowest vaccination rates. So the overall message is that at the individual level the vaccine will prevent you from being hospitalized and at the county and state level, vaccinations help keep ICU capacity in check,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy. 

       Comparison of County-level Hospitalization Rates and Vaccination Rates

Governor Polis also provided an overview of how Colorado will quickly administer booster shots to those who are currently FDA eligible to receive one. Colorado is ready to administer boosters to those in our nursing homes starting this week and the state has the infrastructure in place to immediately start administering boosters once the FDA clears it for additional age groups. Governor Polis urged the FDA to make the booster available to everyone as soon as possible. 

Last week, Raytheon, an aerospace company employing 3,500 Coloradans, announced that they would be requiring their U.S. workforce to be fully vaccinated. There are many other companies in Colorado who are doing the same to protect their employees including  Arrow Electronics Tyson Foods Northwestern Mutual, Bonanno Concepts, Vail Resorts and, Arapahoe Basin and others. 

To support these employers, their workforce, and all Coloradans who are looking to get their first, second or booster, Governor Polis announced the opening of four community vaccination sites with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 doses of the vaccine every day. These sites will only be operating at this capacity until September 30. 

  • Aurora – Aurora Municipal Center
    • Drive-through clinic
    • Hours of operation: 9 a.m.- 7 p.m.
  • Littleton – Southwest Plaza Mall
    • Drive-through clinic
    • Hours of operation:10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Colorado Springs – Chapel Hills Mall 
    • Walk-in clinic
    • Hours of operation: 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods Park parking lot
    • Lot F 9/20-22, Lot H 9/23-9/30
    • Walk-up clinic
    • Hours of operation: 11 a.m. -9  p.m.

Appointments are not required at any of the locations, but Coloradans can register at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccinefinder. Additionally, Coloradans are able to get either their first, second, or third shot at any of the more than 1,600 enrolled vaccine providers in the state ranging from pharmacies to primary care providers. For more information, please visit covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine.

Gov. Polis Announces New COVID-19 Community

Governor Polis statement on FDA Advisory Committee vote on COVID-19 booster shot

DENVER – Governor Jared Polis released a statement following a vote by the Advisory Committee U.S. to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the COVID-19 booster. The Advisory Committee to the FDA voted in favor of providing a booster shot of the safe and effective Pfizer vaccine for people age 65 and up and for high-risk individuals. Committee members also took an advisory vote and unanimously voted to support the administration of a booster for “healthcare workers and others at high risk for occupational exposure.”

“This recommendation helps remove a deadly impediment that stood in the way of Colorado getting highly effective boosters out to nursing homes residents, and are planning to start next week as soon as the FDA decision is finalized. Nearly everyone living in nursing homes got the Pfizer vaccine, because it was available first and we prioritized the elderly and most vulnerable, and now we will rapidly roll out the booster to save lives and help end the pandemic. This recommendation for a booster should cover everyone in Colorado who received a Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago,” said Governor Polis. 

“This recommendation to approve boosters six months after the second dose for people 65 and older, those considered high-risk, and those who work in frontline essential professions like teaching and healthcare that put them at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 is overdue but welcome news. Depending on the exact wording of the finalization of the decision, we expect that the recommendation for the booster will cover essentially everyone who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, as the vaccine was only available to those 65 and up, our frontline essential workers including healthcare workers, and teachers including childcare workers for their first dose during February, and in early March opened up to include first doses for those age 60 and up along with frontline workers. The recommended timing of the booster is about six months after the second dose,” the Governor added. 

“We want to end the pandemic now and our state is ready to administer the booster to our seniors in long-term care and residential facilities starting as soon as next week,” said Governor Polis. “The United States can get more people protected with the first two doses, give effective boosters, and export the safe and effective vaccine to countries abroad – this is not a time to pick just one – our country has enough safe and effective vaccine for all three.”

Governor Polis statement on FDA Advisory Committee vote on COVID-19 booster shot