Omicron booster doses in Colorado outpace the US

FILE – This 2020 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19. The coronavirus mutant that just became dominant in the United States as of May 2022 is a member of the omicron family. But scientists say it spreads faster than its omicron predecessors, is adept at escaping immunity, and might possibly cause more serious disease. (Hannah A. Bullock, Azaibi Tamin/CDC via AP, File) (Hannah A. Bullock, Azaibi Tamin/CDC via AP, File)

by: Lanie Lee Cook

Posted: Oct 11, 2022 / 10:23 PM MDT

Updated: Oct 11, 2022 / 10:23 PM MDT

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DENVER (KDVR) — In Colorado, 8.9% of eligible people have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine booster targeted to omicron variants, a figure that outpaces the rest of the country.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced Tuesday that the data is now posted on a state dashboard. Since the week of Aug. 28, around 340,000 doses of the omicron booster shot have been administered, the dashboard shows.

The dashboard shows that more people aged 65 and older are getting the omicron booster than other age groups, with about 19% receiving it. Only about 4% of people aged 12-17 have gotten the latest booster dose.

Nationwide, fewer than 5% of eligible people in the U.S. have received the omicron booster, according to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Omicron boosters authorized for 12 and up

The new vaccine formulations from Pfizer and Moderna are targeted to work toward omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. Pfizer’s formulation is authorized for people 12 and older, while Moderna’s is for people aged 18 and up.

“Just like the virus has evolved, so has the vaccine. Getting the updated vaccine gives targeted protection from the COVID-19 variants circulating right now,” CDPHE said. “Anyone aged 12 years and older who has completed a primary series of COVID-19 vaccines should get an omicron dose.”

Those who need help making a vaccine appointment can call the state hotline at 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926). Help is available in multiple languages. The hotline is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.