Colorado is once again revamping its coronavirus vaccine distribution plan, stopping older and sicker people in line and relocating most essential workers who are expected to start vaccinating next week.
The key changes, announced by the government Jared Polis at a news conference Friday afternoon, will mean that people between the ages of 60 and 64 and people aged 16 to 64 with two or more high-risk conditions are eligible for a vaccine received when the state passes on in March 1b in phase 1b.3.
Previously, people aged 60 to 64 were in phase 2 of the vaccine distribution plan in Colorado.
Grocery stores and agricultural workers are also eligible to receive the vaccine from next week, when 1b.3 is planned. It is estimated that approximately 950,000 people make up the new priority group 1b.3.
Police also announced Friday that Coloradans 50 and older will have access to the vaccine from the end of March, possibly as early as March 21st.
The changes mean that the vaccination of thousands of other essential workers who are expected to start vaccination on March 5 is likely to take several weeks. The essential workers’ group – which is now under a newly created phase 1b – will begin. 4 – includes people engaged in manufacturing and public transportation, as well as U.S. postal service employees, faith leaders, higher education workers, restaurant workers, and journalists.
People in phase 1b.4 will now start receiving vaccines on March 21, the governor said along with Coloradans 50 and older.
Scott Bookman, the state incident commander, estimates that 2.5 million people are in phase 1b.4.
“Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have approached the vaccine distribution process in a fair way, saving most lives and ending the public health crisis as soon as possible,” Polis said, explaining the changes.
The governor said essential workers were not being deported – even though they were in a later stage and would get the vaccine later.
“It’s merely a result of the assurance that supply and demand are joining,” Polis said.
Brig. Gen. Scott Sherman, the Colorado National Guard soldier who is leading the distribution of vaccine for Colorado, said the state expects the White House to announce an increase in vaccine doses to the states next week. He believes this will lead to larger deliveries to Colorado starting in late March or early April.
The one-dose vaccine Johnson & Johnson is expected to be approved for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration only this weekend. This means that doses of the vaccine could arrive in Colorado as early as next week.
“Please be patient,” Sherman said. “It’s your turn to get a vaccine.”
Policy said just because someone is eligible, “does not mean you can get it within a day or two.”
Polis and Sherman also announced Friday that Colorado expects to open a number of mass vaccination centers in the state sometime in mid-March to spread the boost in doses and address the major phases.
These sites include the Ball Arena in Denver, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, the Grand Junction Convention Center, the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, the Ranch Events Complex in Larimer County, and the Pueblo Mall.
People with questions about vaccination can call the state’s vaccination point at (877) 368-2926.
High-risk conditions that qualify someone for the vaccine under phase 1b.3 include:
People who are receiving treatment for cancer or who have received treatment in the past month.Chronic kidney disease.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Diabetes.Down syndrome.Heart disease, such as heart failure, cardiomyopathy or coronary heart disease.Obesity.Pregnancy.Sickle cell disease.Recipients of organ transplants.People with disabilities who need immediate care at home.People with disabilities that prevent them from wearing a mask.More than 1 million Coloradans have received at least a first dose of coronavirus vaccine, including at least 67% of Coloradans 70 and older.
About 37% of Coloradans between the ages of 65 and 69 received a first dose, as well as about 64% of K-12 educators and child care workers.
Bookman, the incident commander, said the general public will be vaccinated once phase 1b.4 is completed. He’s not sure when it will be.
However, Polis said the general public in Colorado can access the vaccine as late as late April or early May. “We want to end all these complicated phases as soon as possible,” he said.
The governor said there is still a lot of ‘fertile ground’ for the spread of the virus if Coloradans allows it. He insisted on continued vigilance and caution.
“The journey is not over. The race has not yet been won. We have to be very patient, ”said Polis.
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