Gov. Polis Provides Update on COVID-19 Pandemic, Vaccines and Boosters

77% of Coloradans Have Received At Least One Dose of the Lifesaving Vaccine

DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including information about employer-led vaccination requirements. Governor Polis was joined by Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, who shared her story of receiving the booster, and Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Rico Munn.

“This pandemic won’t end without you and there is no reason that 700 unvaccinated people over the age of 12 are hospitalized for COVID-19 in Colorado when we know how to prevent it: getting vaccinated. The life you save could be your own,” said Governor Jared Polis. “With so many employers stepping up to protect their workers, as well as the efforts of individuals and organizations helping to vaccinate their communities, I know that Colorado will emerge stronger and more resilient than before the pandemic.” 

Gov. Polis applauded employers across the private, nonprofit, and public sectors who have gone above and beyond to protect their workforce and customers through vaccine requirements and testing protocols. These employers are doing the right thing for their staff and the people they serve and could help slow disease spread in communities, especially for those who aren’t yet eligible to get the vaccine.

Governor Polis stressed the importance of receiving boosters when eligible. First and second doses of the vaccine are critical to ending the pandemic and booster shots play an important role in preventing disease transmission and keeping Coloradans safe. 

Approximately 5% of eligible Coloradans have received boosters, including Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.

“Normal activities like going to the grocery store became high-stakes activities. When vaccines were approved in late 2020, I was overjoyed as a mother, grandmother, cancer survivor, and of course, Lt. Governor,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “Yesterday, I rolled up my sleeve to receive my booster and I’ve experienced minimal side effects since then. Every shot in an arm is another step forward towards being free from this terrible virus and I encourage all eligible Coloradans to join me in receiving the booster.”

Yesterday, top FDA officials discussed data that supports boosters for those 18 and older, and next week, the FDA is meeting to discuss boosters for those who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. 

Earlier this month, the CDC offered further guidance on who should be getting Pfizer booster doses, including:

• People aged 65 years and older and adults 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions
• Residents aged 18 years and older of long-term care settings
• People aged 18–49 years with certain underlying medical conditions, such as
• People aged 18–64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional 

Aurora Public Schools (APS) Superintendent Rico Munn joined the event and addressed how his team serves nearly 40,000 students and protects the in-person learning environment. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to our staff for stepping up to this need for our students to be protected. Currently 96% of licensed staff members are fully vaccinated, and we expect that number to grow,” said Superintendent Munn. “We’ve also signed up with CDPHE for regular surveillance testing in our schools.”