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Coloradans 50 and up eligible for vaccine starting March 19

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by
Kyle Cooke
• Published on • Last modified on
Credit: Gov. Jared Polis, Facebook
News | Rocky Mountain PBS

DENVER — As a major snowstorm loomed, Governor Jared Polis announced during a March 12 press conference that state officials expect all Coloradans will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by mid-April.

The news came one day after President Joe Biden announced plans to direct all states and U.S. territories to make all adults eligible for vaccination by May 1.

“The good news from Washington is that the vaccine is coming,” Polis said during his press conference.

When mid-April rolls around, COVID Incident Commander Scott Bookman said vaccine providers will “still have their discretion to prioritize those who are higher risk in our more vulnerable categories.”

The governor also announced that Colorado will move to Phase 1B.4 on March 19. That phase opens up vaccinations to all Coloradans ages 50 and up, restaurant and postal workers, faith leaders, transit employees, and other groups. Find out what phase you are in here.

Watch the governor’s full press conference below.

Brigadier General Scott Sherman joined Polis and Bookman at the press conference. He detailed the progress the state has made in vaccinating key groups.

Bookman said 76% of Colorado's 70+ population has been vaccinated. That group has made up nearly 80% of the state’s COVID-19 deaths, according to the governor. As of March 11, more than 6,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Colorado.

Bookman said that 63% of the 65-69 age group has been vaccinated, and that 90% of educators and childcare workers have received their vaccines.

Polis urged patience for Coloradans nearing vaccine eligibility. Just because you might be eligible starting March 19, the governor explained, it might be a couple weeks before you get your first shot.

As for the snowstorm, Polis said vaccine appointments will be rescheduled, but that people will not lose their spot in line.

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