Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination efforts in Colorado, particularly vaccinations among younger people. The Governor was joined by State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Colorado’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric France, and Dr. Suchitra Rao, Children’s Hospital Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado.
“We all have a role to play in protecting our children. If your child is eligible for the vaccine, make a plan today,” said Governor Jared Polis. “If not, there are steps you can take to ensure they are not put at risk for contracting the virus. With vaccinations widely available in Colorado, make sure to get yourself protected and continue wearing a mask if you have not. Together we can put this pandemic behind us, but we need Coloradans to roll up their sleeves and get the lifesaving vaccine. It’s not only about your health, but the health of your closest family and friends.”
Adolescents 12-15 years old just became eligible for the Pfizer vaccine last week, and 11% of that age group has already been with one dose. 44% of persons 16 - 29 and 66% of persons 30 and older have also received one dose. Overall, 57% of eligible Coloradans have received one dose.
“We are now seeing even more cases and hospitalizations among children and adolescents, and many of them could be completely prevented. That’s why it’s so important for eligible children to get vaccinated. The data is clear that this vaccine is the best way to avoid getting the virus and protecting your family,”said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist.
In an effort to get even more vaccines into communities across the state, Colorado is working directly with primary care providers to enroll them in the state’s COVID-19 vaccine provider program. Primary care providers everywhere in Colorado can enroll today as a vaccine provider and start providing the COVID-19 vaccine to patients and their families, while discussing the benefits and safety. Interested providers should email [email protected] for more registration, enrollment, and onboarding information.
“I understand that many Coloradans still have questions about the vaccine and whether they should get it, but far and away, the vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family.
QUOTE - Dr. Suchitra Rao, Children’s Hospital Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado.
