Some seniors struggle to get COVID-19 vaccine in Southern Colorado
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- As vaccine access opens up to teachers next week, some of the elderly in Southern Colorado say they are having trouble getting their COVID-19 vaccine doses.
In late December, Governor Jared Polis announced those 70 and older were eligible for the vaccine. However, some senior citizens report it's been difficult to get a vaccine appointment. Some fear they will get overlooked as vaccine access continues to expand in Colorado.
82-year-old Betty Johnson has tried for weeks to get a vaccine to no avail.
“I signed up with Safeway, Centura, Pikes Peak Vista, and a few more," Johnson said. "You don’t hear anything from anybody. It’s just kind of discouraging.”
Johnson's daughter, Denise Collins, said getting her elderly mother vaccinated in a top priority.
“Very important," Collins said. "She’s got 20 grand kids and 20 great grand kids.”
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) acknowledges there are still many seniors waiting for their COVID-19 vaccines. CDPHE says its goal is to vaccinate 70% of Coloradans 70 and older by the end of Feburary.
On Monday morning, CDPHE said they are working with employers to vaccinate eligible teachers and front line workers. Health officials say that by working with employers to vaccinate those employees will help keep vaccine provider appointments available for seniors.
Michelle Hewitt with EPC Public Health said they're working to put vaccines in arms as quickly as possible, but there is a roadblock.
"The biggest barrier we are currently facing is a lack of supply, and it will take time for the supply to catch up to the demand," Hewitt said in a statement to KRDO. "Based on the need to provide two doses to each of the approximately 65,000 people age 70 and older in El Paso County, the process of getting everyone who is 70 and older vaccinated will likely take at least through the end of February. We encourage those who want a vaccine to contact one of the many providers, but please know that it may take several weeks before a vaccine is available."
