UCHealth, the largest provider of vaccines in Colorado, simplified the process for getting a COVID-19 vaccine with the release of self-scheduling online.
Residents 18-years-old and older can now schedule their own vaccine appointments through UCHealth. Appointment times and locations can be chosen through the provider’s online patient portal, My Health Connection.
To find the online scheduler, Coloradans can select Appointments then select Schedule Appointments. For those without a UCHealth account can create one at uchealth.org. Those seeking an appointment do not need to be a UCHealth patient to receive a vaccine, according to a news release from UCHeatlh.
Those who do not have internet access can still make appointments via phone by calling the hospital. For English call 720.462.225 and for Spanish call 844.945.2508.
General scheduling for individuals 16-years-old and older will open on May 3.
While UCHealth, across all locations, is able to administer up to 40,000 vaccines a week, the provider states the demand for appoints can still be high but new appointments will be added daily.
“Because of high demand, it may take several weeks before appointments are widely available. UCHealth will be adding new appointment times daily around 9 a.m., so patients are encouraged to check back if they don’t find an open date or time that works for them,” the news release states.
Nearly 1.6 million people across the state have been fully immunized. “Clinical trials have shown that the vaccines can prevent 100% of deaths from COVID-19 and also prevent most severe illness that can lead to hospitalization,” according to the news release.
Last week, the Colorado Dial was retired, leaving the counties to determine the level of COVID-19 restrictions in place. Boulder County’s numbers allowed it to move into Level Blue on the county-adopted dial, decreasing capacity restrictions on indoor events and entertainment and allowing for full capacity for outdoor events.
The county’s positivity rate, as of April 22, is 4.2% with a seven-day average of new cases coming in at 69.9.
While many are eager to get the vaccine, there remain some who are undecided.
Dr. Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control at UCHealth, said it’s important that everyone who wants a vaccine can easily receive one. For those who are hesitant, she says, “The vaccine has proven to be very safe, and getting it can protect not only you but your family and friends as well. If you have concerns, please talk to your provider or to people who have already received their vaccine. Ask them their experience and what it was like. These personal stories from friends and family are very helpful to those who may have questions.”
