The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a fourth  dose of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for people 50 and older and a fifth dose for individuals who are immunocompromised. People over 50 may now receive a fourth dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at least four months after their third dose, andColorado COVID-19 vaccine providers are authorized to administer those doses now. 

There are more than 1 million adults 50 and older in Colorado who have received a third dose who are able to get a fourth dose following the CDC announcement. The state has an estimated 470,000 doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in the field across Colorado today, which are available for those eligible for both third and fourth doses. With CDC’s authorization of fourth doses for adults 50 and older, the need to secure and expand the nation’s COVID-19 vaccine supply has never been greater.

“Coloradans age 50 and older can now get a fourth dose of the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine, increasing their protection from this virus,” said Diana Herrero, deputy director for the Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “We urge Congress to secure funding to purchase enough vaccine doses for all and invest in variant-specific vaccines or a pan-COVID vaccine protecting against a range of variants should the science and data demonstrate the need.” 

In addition, the CDC has also approved a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least four months ago. Read more about booster doses and eligibility at https://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine-follow-up-doses-booster.  

Vaccines are the safest, most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, and to help avoid the worst outcomes (severe illness, hospitalization, and death) among those who do become infected. More information about COVID vaccines, as well as assistance with scheduling an appointment, is available athttps://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine. You can also call Colorado’s Vaccine Hotline to get help finding a vaccine. Call 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

There are more than 1,900 provider locations across Colorado, including pharmacies and doctor’s offices.   The COVID-19 vaccine is free. Coloradans do not need ID or insurance to get vaccinated and are entitled to paid time off from work to get vaccinated and recover from any side effects.

Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov