In response to the authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11, Gov. Jared Polis spoke to the media on Monday, Nov. 8.
“Now Colorado’s children have access to the COVID-19 vaccine and parents can have the much-deserved peace of mind that their children are protected from this virus,” he said.
“As kids across the state roll up their sleeves to get the vaccine, I urge my fellow parents and those who have put off getting protected to listen to the science and get the effective COVID-19 vaccine.”
At that time, Colorado had administered at least 11,049 doses to children in that age group. The goal is to have 50 percent of them vaccinated by the end of January.
Polis also said Nov. 8 that one out of every 48 Coloradans has the coronavirus, mostly because of the highly infectious Delta variant.
That day, fewer than 120 intensive-care unit beds were available in Colorado hospitals. To alleviate the pressure on hospitals, the state has launched five mobile buses to distribute monoclonal therapy to people suffering mild to moderate COVID-19 cases.
Monoclonal therapy uses laboratory-produced molecules that act as substitute antibodies to block the virus from attaching to human cells. More than 160 Colorado health-care providers are offering the treatment.
In El Paso County, hospitalization rates have been, for the most part, declining since a peak of 30 on Oct. 18.
The 80829 ZIP code has experienced 507 COVID-19 cases since March 1, 2020. In that time, 7,313 tests have been administered to local residents.