Jefferson County has launched a campaign to answer questions from parents about COVID-19 vaccines and children. The campaign, “COVID-19: Helping Kids Be Kids” and the goal is to help parents feel more comfortable when it comes to getting their children vaccinated.
A number of health agencies in Jefferson and Boulder counties, Denver and Tri-County Health are involved in the campaign. They are spreading the message on social media, TV, radio and pediatricians offices.
“Especially because we know when it comes to making decisions for your children’s health, there are so many more facets involved,” said Nikki Wellander with Jefferson County Public Health. “Parents are right to ask questions. They are 100% justified in making sure they have all the info at hand.”
Most children who do become sick with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all. Children with underlying medical conditions are at an increased risk for severe illness. Vaccination helps protect those children who are immunocompromised and cannot receive a vaccine.
Gov. Polis Interviewed About State’s Response On Face The Nation
On Sunday morning, Gov. Jared Polis joined with CBS’ Margaret Brennan on Face The Nation from the University of Colorado Boulder to discuss the state’s battle with the coronavirus. As of Friday, Colorado is one of the most infected states in the nation. One in every 48 Coloradans are infected and symptomatic.
However, researchers have been unable to pinpoint an exact reason why Colorado is seeing the surge while other states are not.
“Your state’s health agency says 72% of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated. So why is COVID still ravaging your state?” Brennan asked Polis.
“We were largely spared the Delta spike in summer and late summer, but we’re getting it now. Now we’re hopeful and so far what we’re seeing is it’s not going to hit the same levels that it did in southeastern states that had 40, 50, 55% vaccination rates,” Polis responded.
He went on to say he’s frustrated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA have not released clear messaging about COVID-19 booster vaccines. Last week, he signed an executive order allowing every Coloradan who is 18 or older can get a booster shot, regardless of any federal COVID guidance.
“Why not institute more capacity restrictions, do things to try to help contain the spread?” Brennan asked.
“These are happening in our state. There’s areas of our state where people are, have to wear masks indoors,” Polis said. “The most important thing you can do is get vaccinated, but if you continue to be unvaccinated, please be careful, wear a mask and don’t gather in large indoor areas around others.”
