20.6% of Colorado 5 - 11 Year-Olds Have Received at Least One Dose of Safe & Effective COVID-19 Vaccine

Colorado leading the West & ranks eighth in U.S. for vaccination rate among 5-11-year-olds

DENVER - The Polis administration announced today that Colorado’s vaccination rate for first doses among the 5-11 age group has surpassed 20%, making Colorado the eighth highest in the United States trailing only seven other states.

“It’s great to see so many of Colorado’s kids and parents making a common-sense decision to protect themselves against this dangerous virus by getting the safe and effective vaccine and leading other western states in the process. We need more Coloradans to follow the example set by our young people who are doing their part to help put this pandemic behind us and protect their health so we can get back to enjoying the Colorado we love,” said Governor Polis. 

As of this morning, 98,848 Colorado children in this age group (20.6% of the estimated 5-11 population in Colorado)  have received at least one dose of the two-dose pediatric Pfizer vaccine since the CDC approved it earlier this month. Additionally, 5,617 or 0.6% have received their second dose.

Last week, the State expanded three large community sites to provide additional vaccines and boosters. The state is working with Children’s Hospital Colorado and other providers within the state to make more appointments available. Zoos, museums, rec centers, and libraries across the state are hosting clinics where whole families can receive a first, second, or third dose or a booster. Parents can find upcoming clinics for children on our vaccine finder webpage or on Vaccines.gov. 

Appointments are still available at large vaccination events this week, including:

Fri. Dec. 3: Trinidad History Museum

Fri. Dec. 3: Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center

Fri. Dec. 3: Cortez Public Library 

Fri. Dec. 3: Pueblo Zoo

CDPHE continues to recommend parents and guardians make a plan to get their children vaccinated. Vaccines are the safest, most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help avoid the worst outcomes -- severe illness, hospitalization, and death -- among those who do become infected. Getting vaccinated means kids can look forward to holiday activities, participate in extracurricular activities, have fewer interruptions to in-person learning, and see family and friends without worrying as much about getting COVID-19 or having to quarantine and miss out.

Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov

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There may be a reporting lag as providers have 72 hours to enter doses into the Colorado Immunization Information System. 

Vaccines are free, and no identification, proof of residency, or insurance is required.

Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 and its variants. All adult Coloradans should get vaccinated and all parents and guardians of children aged 5- 17 should make an appointment for their children to get vaccinated without delay at one of the more than 1,700 vaccine providers across the state.