More than 191,000 residents of Boulder County — or 70% of the eligible population — have received at least one course of the COVID-19 vaccination, a move hailed as ground breaking by county health officials.
The COVID-19 vaccination push is one of the biggest mass vaccination efforts since the polio vaccine in the 1950s with Boulder County being one of three counties leading the way in vaccinations in Colorado, according to a Boulder County Public Health news release.
The county’s planning and operational efforts for the “unprecedented” vaccination campaign has been ongoing since October 2020. A key component of the county’s strategy has been the strong coordination of over 35 medical providers that made sure all Boulder County community members have equal access to vaccines, the news release states.
Since March 30, 2021, Boulder County Public Health has offered 46 vaccination clinics with the help of about 2,300 volunteers, who supported full time staff in traffic and parking control, prescreening, registration, vaccination, vaccine support, logistical support and client observation, the news release states.
Partnerships have also been vital in the vaccination effort, the release states. Boulder Community Health, for instance, held the first vaccination clinic in Boulder County on Dec. 15, 2020. Since then, their team has surpassed 80,000 doses administered to Boulder County residents.
“Vaccination distribution is a complex logistical endeavor and even when there were challenges such as limited vaccine supply, many residents showed interest in getting vaccinated,” said Indira Gujral, communicable disease and emergency management manager, in the news release. “It really takes all of us to end this pandemic, and we are grateful to each person who has decided to get vaccinated and helped us reach this milestone. Know that because of your support, we will soon be able to enjoy the things we miss the most.”
BCPH also works with seven local organizations and community ambassadors to support getting underserved populations to vaccination clinics. “Partnerships are crucial to continue this effort,” Gujral added. “We can’t do this without the support of local organizations who are committed to serving the community and are guiding BCPH in this mass vaccination endeavor.”
BCPH noted that there are still 30% of the population who are not vaccinated. “We know there is a part of the population who is hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Sheila Davis, Boulder County Public Health coordinator. “The vaccine is safe, effective, and has gone through a very thorough safety process where scientists, researchers and academics monitor safety.”
BCPH offers resources such as COVID-19 Town Halls to groups that need general information about COVID-19 and the vaccine as well as biweekly Community Updates for residents who want to ask questions.
For information about COVID-19 clinics and medical providers, resources and general information, visit Bouldercounty.org. For questions and information, call the Boulder Call Center at 720-776-0822.
