Examining vaccinations for +65 - El Comercio de Colorado

70 YEAR OLDS THE PRIORITY

El Comercio de Colorado Newsroom

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

Governor Jared Polis reiterated Colorado’s commitment to vaccinating 70 percent of the state’s residents who are 70 and older by February 28th, 2021. “We have a broad current eligible population of over 562,000 people over 70 years of age and based on data-driven goals of saving lives and ending the pandemic, protecting this vulnerable population will have the biggest impact,” said Polis.

Polis says prioritizing vaccinations for those over 70 has been a successful strategy. This population accounts for 78 percent of COVID-19 related deaths in Colorado. “If you have a mother, a father, a grandfather; or a friend over 70, encourage them to find out where they can get the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is free and for everyone,” he remarked. You are not required to have health insurance or immigration status to be vaccinated.

The goal of the state is to be able to serve this population while complete the vaccination of health workers and first responders. All these sectors of the population are included in the two stages of the first phase of vaccination. Polis said that he is reviewing the new guideline issues by the CDC and the operator with representatives of the incoming federal administration before deciding on a change of priorities.

Evaluate CDC Request

Polis stressed that the supply of vaccines is a critical aspect to consider while vaccinating those over 65 as requested by the CDC. “Colorado will not make any changes to our vaccine program until we can obtain concrete details on supply quantities, the timelines to receive that supply, and the involvement of our partners who are on the ground administering the vaccine,” said the Governor.

He continued, “I am very excited with the announcement that states will be receiving more vaccines in the near term.” Colorado receives vaccines in weekly deliveries and the amount to be received is notified at the end of the previous week. At the end of this week on January 17^th, Colorado will receive about 70,000 vaccines. Polis remains hopeful that the number of vaccinations in the state will allow the age criteria to be extended in a few weeks.