Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and announced the State’s move to begin vaccinating Coloradans ages 65 and older, as well as Colorado PreK-12 educators. Governor Polis was joined by Brigadier General Scott Sherman, Director of Joint Staff, Colorado National Guard; and Scott Bookman, COVID-19 Incident Commander at the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.
“This process is about saving lives and ending the crisis as quickly as possible. Colorado has made remarkable progress towards vaccinating a majority of Coloradans ages 70 and older who account for 78% of COVID deaths. Given the progress we have made together as a state and community, Colorado will be ready to begin vaccinating anyone aged 65 and up on Feb. 8, and also start vaccinating educators and child care workers,” said Governor Polis.
Governor Polis thanked General Sherman, Incident Commander Bookman and their teams, the state’s entire COVID Response team, and the staff at CDPHE who have gone above and beyond to ensure that Colorado is in the best position to succeed in beating back this virus.
Beginning Feb. 8, providers will be able to vaccinate anyone 65 and over, including continuing to prioritize those that are 70 and over who have not yet received a vaccine. Colorado’s PreK-12 educators will also be eligible to receive the vaccine on Feb. 8. Educators should reach out to their employers to sign up for the vaccine.
Governor Polis also announced that the State estimates that close to March 5, frontline workers and Coloradans ages 16-64 with two or more high-risk conditions will also be eligible to receive the vaccine. It’s also projected that Coloradans ages 60 and up will also be able to start receiving the vaccine around March 5.
More information about Colorado’s efforts to vaccinate all Coloradans can be found at covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/vaccine or call 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).
The state continues to encourage all Coloradans to do what we know works to prevent the spread of this virus: wear a mask in public, practice physical distancing, wash your hands regularly and avoid large gatherings.
