Recent changes to federal vaccine policy and Gov. Jared Polis’ have caused some confusion for Coloradans looking to get a COVID-19 shot this year. But with winter around the corner, now is definitely the time to be thinking about getting yourself boosted. So here’s what has changed, who is eligible, and where COVID vaccines are available around Denver.
What Changed?
The Food and Drug Administration approved the latest round of COVID vaccines on August 27, but restricted eligibility to individuals at high risk for severe disease who have a prescription and those 65 and older. This followed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s November promise that “anybody can get the booster,” leaving many Coloradans disappointed.
Gov. Jared Polis criticized the FDA’s new guidelines last week, saying that they got “in the way of Coloradans making our own healthcare decisions” and that they inconvenienced Coloradans who “want increased COVID-19 protection by requiring a doctor’s prescription.” He directed the Department of Public Health and Environment to issue an order, effective Sept. 5, allowing pharmacists to give out COVID boosters to anyone who wants one.
Who Can Get the COVID Vaccine?
As of this writing, anyone in Colorado 6 months or older can get the updated COVID vaccines without needing a prescription.
Where to get the COVID Vaccine Around Denver
The FDA restrictions forced pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens to stop scheduling appointments for COVID shots in Colorado because state guidelines previously required pharmacies to follow CDC guidelines, but recent turmoil at the CDC means those guidelines have not been updated. The Colorado Board of Pharmacy implemented an emergency amendment to its regulations that removed references to CDC guidelines, giving pharmacies the go-ahead to resume scheduling vaccines.
We’ve heard about people getting vaccines at Walgreens and CVS since the Colorado order went into effect, even though they didn’t have an appointment. City Cast Denver executive producer Paul Karolyi made an appointment for just a flu shot and walked out with a COVID booster as well after mentioning Polis’ new directive.
While the transition to reopen COVID vaccine appointments has been slow, some pharmacies across the state are beginning to schedule shots. Check your local pharmacy to see if appointments are available.
