Plan to Vaccinate 70 Percent of Coloradans by July 4th -

DOOR-TO-DOOR VACCINATION IN COLORADO

El Comercio de Colorado Newsroom

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

Colorado health authorities announced that they have already administered 5,800,000 covid-19 vaccines in the first five months in Colorado. “We are focused on reaching the goal of 70 percent of Coloradans vaccinated by July 4^th. We are working on reaching this goal during the second half of June. Help us spread the word about the importance of the vaccine,” said Eric France, medical director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

France explained that authorities fighting the pandemic in the state are targeting difficult to reach sectors of the population. “We are taking the covid-19 vaccine to specific locations. We will be vaccinating at sporting events, concerts, and community festivals,” revealed France. The medical director also indicated that the CDPHE mobile clinics play an important role in reaching remote communities and rural areas of the state.

Coloradans can also get vaccinated for free at clinics, pharmacies, and other health care settings. “Soon we will be going door-to-door to offer vaccines in various neighborhoods. Another alternative includes workplace vaccinations,” said France. This CDPHE official also affirmed that workers in Colorado have the right to 4 paid hours while they get vaccinated.

A Concern

“Here in Colorado, 55 percent of people have already been fully vaccinated. This means that 55 out of 100 people have already received both doses of the vaccine. We have seen fewer hospitalizations, death counts, and family members or loved ones contract the virus. However, I am concerned that there is still a large segment of Hispanics yet to be vaccinated,” said France.

The CDPHE Medical Director announced that out of the total vaccinated in Colorado, Hispanics represent 9.57 percent. This figure represents a huge disparity because Hispanics make up 21 percent of the general population. “We must continue working with our communities, and all ethnic groups,” he said.

Prepare for Return to Class

Eric France is optimistic about the positive shift in regard to the pandemic in Colorado. However, he issued this warning, “Cases will be down in the next few days, but we are also prepared for them to increase when temperatures drop in the fall, and when children go back to school. We know that the best way to keep schools and workplaces open is for everyone to get vaccinated,” he said.

He continued, “Previously in nursing homes, the trend was for one or two people to get infected, and shortly after 5 people, then 25, and eventually hundreds. Now we are seeing that in nursing homes where 70 or 80 percent of the residents have been vaccinated, only one or two cases arise. Getting vaccinated helps keep the infection from spreading. We are seeing that the vaccine protects in homes, nursing homes and workplaces.