Colorado sees modest rise in COVID cases as health officials urge timely vaccinations

Colorado health officials reported a modest uptick in COVID-19 activity in late August, with 20 hospitalizations and a gradual rise in emergency department visits and test positivity, while flu and RSV cases remained low. State epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said wastewater monitoring also indicated greater circulation of the virus, though severe illness levels are still limited. > "It’s a pretty subtle bump compared to last summer," she noted.

Because the seasonal pattern of the virus remains uncertain, Dr. Herlihy advised residents, particularly older adults and those with underlying conditions, to receive their COVID-19 booster as soon as possible. Beth Carlton, chair of environmental and occupational health at the Colorado School of Public Health, said the timing of the bump could influence individual decisions, adding that the state’s reduced public-health funding may delay trend detection. > "We may be slower to recognize the trends due to the cuts to public health infrastructure," she said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently authorized four updated COVID-19 shots for people over 65 and for younger individuals with risk factors, and insurers are covering the doses. Although the CDC’s advisory committee has not yet issued formal guidance, several medical societies have issued recommendations for seasonal vaccines, including annual COVID-19 shots for adults and boosters every six months for high-risk groups, flu vaccinations for most people, and RSV vaccines for seniors and pregnant women. Colorado’s chief medical officer, Dr. Ned Calonge, previously issued a statewide standing order to simplify vaccine access, and the health department reissued the order on Friday to ensure no administrative barriers for those seeking COVID-19 or influenza shots. > "Anyone who wants an influenza or COVID-19 vaccine should be able to get it," Dr. Herlihy said.