DENVER (KDVR) — Gov. Jared Polis had harsh words for the hundreds of unvaccinated Coloradans who are hospitalized due to COVID-19.
“710 Coloradans who chose not to get vaccinated are in the hospital for no good reason,” Polis said. “Some won’t even make it, some will die. Some will make it, but it will be a harrowing few days and weeks.”
“We wish them well in their recovery, but we also wish their misery helps get the message out about why people need to be vaccinated.”
In Colorado, 77% of people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, but Polis said as he provided an update on the state’s efforts that he hopes that number continues to rise.
“I always want to be clear: There are currently zero Coloradans hospitalized for vaccine side effects,” Polis said.
According to state data, those unvaccinated Coloradans make up 78% of total COVID-19 hospitalizations.
The governor said 4.8% of eligible Coloradans have received their Pfizer booster shot, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration giving boosters the go-ahead for vulnerable people and those older than 65.
Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools Rico Munn joined Polis during his briefing. Munn said 96% of the district’s licensed employees are fully vaccinated, ahead of a mandated deadline set for Thursday. That number may be even higher as they continue to check in with employees, according to Munn.
This update comes as more than half the counties in Colorado see an uptick in positivity rates for COVID-19.
The governor was also joined by Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, who recently got her COVID-19 booster shot.
This comes as more than 600 Colorado schools have already signed up for free COVID school testing. Students can get paid weekly to test through an incentive program.
The program allows students, staff and teachers can go to the school testing site and get a free and voluntary COVID screening test, regardless of vaccination status.
You can watch the update on FOX31 NOW.