Reinforcement Available to all Colorado Residents -

VACCINES AND PROTECTION | Governor Polis fights the increase in COVID-19 cases by facilitating access to the booster vaccine for all those over 18 years of age who have already been vaccinated. (Photo / Courtesy of Colorado Press)

VACCINE TESTING AT MASSIVE PUBLIC EVENTS

El Comercio de Colorado Newsroom

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Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order urging all vaccinated state residents to receive the booster shot. “Given the prevalence of the disease in Colorado, everyone should receive their booster shot six months after their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer, or two months after J&J. No Coloradan should avoid receiving their booster if they meet those criteria,” said Polis. The governor assured that there is a high risk of contagion and transmission in the state.

Currently, 1 in 48 Coloradans is infected with COVID-19. Polis appealed to residents of the state who have not been vaccinated by stating, “It is extremely dangerous not to be vaccinated. Colorado is working to recover financially from the pandemic, but those who remain unvaccinated continue to fill our hospitals, putting themselves and others at risk. We all want this to end, but everyone should do their part and get the vaccine and booster after six months.”

Vaccination Test and Use of Masks

The state’s efforts to vaccinate more Coloradans includes vaccinating children ages 5 to 11. Some 22,419 children, or 4.7 percent, in this age group have received at least one dose of the vaccine to date so far. Governor Polis assures that his administration is also making efforts to increase the state’s hospital capacity. The goal of the state authorities is to be able to incorporate some 500 new beds for intensive care in the short term.

Polis said they will work with other levels of government to make indoor events safer. Starting November 19, a good number of counties will require proof of vaccination from those who attend events with more than 500 people standing up. Polis indicated that they have studied the case of the Ball Arena, a massive sports and entertainment center, in which proof of vaccination or a negative test is required to enter.

Monoclonal Treatment

The governor explained that monoclonal antibody treatment plays an important role in improving Colorado’s hospital capacity. The state has five mobile units deployed and more than 150 monoclonal providers and continues to urge medical professionals to use this treatment. Data shows that this treatment can reduce the chance of hospitalization by 70 to 80 percent. Polis presented the case of Jill Lester and her husband who contracted COVID-19 and were treated with antibodies.

“The monoclonal infusion was very smooth and although it took me a couple of days to start feeling better, I recovered quickly and completely. Treatment was efficient and uneventful, and I was able to recover faster and reduce my risk of complications. I am very happy that we have this wonderful monoclonal antibody treatment technology to help people recover from this terrifying disease,” said Jill.

Health authorities have indicated that adult or pediatric patients at least 12 years of age who are experiencing mild or moderate symptoms of COVID-19 before the need for hospitalization may receive monoclonal treatment. These symptoms must have occurred within the past 10 days, however. Additionally, those patients must be at high risk of developing more severe symptoms due to an underlying medical condition.