State vaccine supply outpaces demand as hospitalizations rise

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) —  The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says Colorado is moving into a phase of vaccine hesitancy, and with it, a surge in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

“Over the last three weeks, hospitalizations have risen by 75%,” said CDPHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric France. “There’s over 560 people hospitalized in Colorado and it’s the unvaccinated who are hospitalized. It’s the unvaccinated who are being cases.”

For the first time since vaccines rolled out, CDPHE indicates vaccine supply could be outpacing the demand. The health department says the suspension of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is part of the reason why.

“The J&J, just with the problems that came up and the ACIP decision, that has hurt a little bit in getting people vaccinated and them wanting to get vaccinated,” said state officials.

France said people eager to be vaccinated likely signed up as soon as possible, leaving hesitant populations left to decide if they’ll get the shots or not.

“Please come get your vaccine and come get this done,” said Scott Sherman, director of the state’s Vaccine Joint Task Force.

In El Paso County, almost. 40% of people eligible have gotten at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. It's no small feat, but it falls in the bottom one-third of all Colorado counties for percentage population at least partially vaccinated.

County leaders tell KRDO they plan to implement educational campaigns in the coming weeks to encourage anyone waiting it out to book an appointment.