Colorado officials say data shows boosters to work, wastewater tests show omicron

DENVER – Colorado officials announced on Tuesday that new data shows COVID-19 booster shots are effective.

During a briefing on the state of COVID-19 in Colorado, state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy revealed that people who receive booster shots are 2.4 times less likely to be one case of COVID-19 than vaccinated people and 9.7 times less likely than unvaccinated people. .

When it comes to hospitalizations, those who received a booster are 3.3 times less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than those who were vaccinated. People who are boosted are also 47.5 times less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than those who are not vaccinated.

As of Tuesday, 1,419 Coloradans are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, according to Governor Jared Polis. Sixteen percent of people hospitalized are vaccinated.

Seventeen children aged zero to four are currently hospitalized with COVID-19. Eight children between the ages of five and 17 are hospitalized with the virus. According to Governor Polis, the eight young people aged 5 to 17 are not all vaccinated.

Dr Herlihy also announced on Tuesday that sewage monitoring has detected signature mutations of the COVID-19 omicron variant in the municipal wastewater system in Boulder.

“We are unable to quantify the number of cases detected in the Boulder municipal sewer system, but we believe it is likely more than one case, possibly a low level. community transmission, ”she said.

Two cases of the omicron variant have been detected in the state until there. Both were discovered last week and involved international travel.

Much is still unknown regarding the omicron variant, including its disease spectrum and severity. Experts expect to learn more in the coming weeks after more data is collected.

Governor Polis said the delta variant continues to be the main threat in Colorado.

“For the moment, my fellow Coloradians should know that it is the delta variant which is the main threat to our health, to our well-being,” he said.

Governor Polis and Dr Herlihy both encouraged Coloradians to get vaccinated if they aren’t already. Residents who have been vaccinated are also encouraged to get vaccinated.

To find the nearest vaccination site, Click here.