DENVER (KDVR) — Gov. Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to COVID-19, as positivity rates stubbornly rise in our state.
“We get vaccinated to protect ourselves and our loved ones, to end the pandemic, and because of the efforts of healthcare workers who have been going above and beyond. The vast majority of people hospitalized and contracting this deadly virus are unvaccinated,” Polis said. “Please get your vaccine if you have not already. Get the booster when eligible to further protect yourself, your family and the progress we have made together against COVID.”
Family medicine doctor at UCHealth Dr. Kyle Leggott and Director of the Colorado Pediatric Practice-Based Research Network at Children’s Hospital Dr. Sean O’Leary joined the governor for his briefing.
“What I’ve observed in the last 18 months with the development, approval, and distribution of these amazing, safe, effective vaccines is nothing short of miraculous. We were hoping for vaccines that were 50% effective, and we got vaccines that were more than 90% effective at preventing infection, and even better at preventing hospitalization and death. In a short period of time, communities have come together to somehow get vaccines into the arms of over 77% of eligible Coloradans, saving thousands of lives. This is remarkable, but we’re not done yet – we need to finish that last mile to protect ourselves, our communities, and our children,” O’Leary said.
So far, nearly 78% of Coloradans have received at least one dose of the vaccine. 71% of Coloradans are fully vaccinated. Of hospitalized individuals with COVID-19 in Colorado, 77% are not vaccinated.
“It’s okay to be uncertain and have questions about the vaccines, and even be a little scared, but that’s what doctors are here for. We’re here to make sure patients have the best available information and to answer questions, so that patients can make the best decisions for their health and the health of those around them,” Leggott said.
You can watch a replay from the governor’s Facebook page above.