The third wave of COVID-19 booster shots is proving to be popular among Coloradans.
The state administered 62,942 doses of the omicron vaccine during the first nine days since it became available Sept. 6. That is similar to the number of Pfizer booster shots that became available around this time last year.
During the first nine days of the Pfizer booster, from Sept. 24 through Oct. 2, the state administered 62,905 shots, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
“We hope that Coloradans are planning to get this vaccine as soon as possible,” said CDPHE spokeswoman Kristen Stewart. “Just like the virus evolved, so has the vaccine. Getting the updated vaccine gives targeted protection from the COVID-19 variants circulating right now.”
San Juan Basin Public Health said it did not yet have data to compare the number of residents in La Plata and Archuleta counties who have received the omicron vaccine this month versus the Pfizer vaccine in 2021.
Since the Food and Drug Administration-approved Pfizer vaccine became available earlier this month, 1,567 children ages 12-17 have received their boosters in Colorado, according to the CDPHE.
“Vaccines are the strongest layer of protection we can offer children against COVID-19,” Stewart said. “While fewer children get severely ill with COVID-19 than adults, they can still get sick with the virus and spread it to other people. Some get sick enough to go to the hospital. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help your child stay healthy and protect your family and community.”
Initial studies suggest the new vaccines may be about 20 times more protective against omicron than the original doses, and about five times more protective than the first attempt to create omicron-specific vaccines.
molsen@durangoherald.com
