Governor Polis Receives COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines as Northern Colorado Enters Respiratory Virus Season
Governor Jared Polis received his COVID-19 and flu vaccinations at a Denver pharmacy October 1, encouraging Coloradans to get immunized as the respiratory virus season begins with children returning to school and cooler weather arriving.
Polis was joined by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ned Calonge and State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy at the pharmacy visit, highlighting the state's efforts to make vaccinations more accessible to Colorado residents, including those in Larimer and Weld counties.
"It's that time of the year when our kids are back to school, the air gets a little colder, and people can start to feel a little under the weather," Polis said. "To avoid getting sick and spreading disease, I encourage my fellow Coloradans to join me in getting the safe and effective flu and COVID-19 vaccines."
The governor's vaccination comes as Colorado implemented a new public health order September 3 allowing pharmacists to provide COVID-19 vaccines without individual prescriptions, removing a significant barrier to access. The standing order took effect September 5.
New Pharmacy Access Eliminates Prescription Barriers
Previously, Colorado pharmacists were restricted by state pharmacy practice laws that required patient-specific prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccines, unlike flu shots which pharmacists have administered under standing orders for years. The restriction stemmed from state regulations classifying COVID-19 vaccines as newer products that did not fall under established protocols for long-standing vaccines.
"Getting both your flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines is the best defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and even death," Dr. Calonge said. "We have taken steps to ensure Coloradans can walk into a local pharmacy and get these vital protections without a prescription, removing an unnecessary barrier."
Colorado pharmacists have been permitted to administer seasonal influenza vaccines to adults and eligible children under statewide standing orders, allowing broader access without prescriptions due to the flu shot's long history and established safety profile.
Northern Colorado Vaccination Patterns Show Regional Variations
Current COVID-19 and flu vaccination rates in Larimer and Weld counties reflect broader demographic patterns across Northern Colorado, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Larimer County consistently shows vaccination rates close to or slightly above state averages, while Weld County rates typically fall below statewide figures.
Vaccination uptake remains highest among older adults, those with private insurance or Medicare, and residents of urban centers like Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley. Coverage rates are lowest among young adults, children, uninsured individuals, and rural agricultural communities.
Dr. Rachel Herlihy emphasized the importance of vaccination for community protection during the respiratory virus season. "As we enter the respiratory virus season, it's important to remember that flu, COVID-19, and RSV can be serious and even life threatening, especially for people at higher risk," she said. "Immunization reduces the risk of getting seriously ill. It also reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others, including those who are most vulnerable."
Cost and Access Options Available Locally
For insured residents with Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial insurance plans, both COVID-19 and flu vaccines are typically covered with no out-of-pocket cost at pharmacies. Uninsured individuals face higher costs, with COVID-19 vaccines ranging from $110 to $140 per dose and flu shots costing $35 to $55 at retail locations.
The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment offers free or low-cost vaccination clinics at community sites for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid recipients throughout Fort Collins, Loveland, and rural areas. Similarly, Weld County Department of Public Health provides free or sliding-scale vaccinations in Greeley and surrounding communities.
Coloradans can locate vaccination providers using the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Find a Vaccine Provider webpage, which lists low and no-cost options at local public health clinics, primary care offices, and pharmacies throughout the state.
The state's emphasis on vaccination access comes as respiratory virus season approaches, when flu, COVID-19, and RSV typically see increased transmission rates with school resumption and seasonal weather changes affecting Northern Colorado communities.