Published on October 14, 2022
The City and County of Denver provided the following COVID-19 status update.
The Time is Now for Seasonal Flu Shots
Flu cases are already rising in parts of the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pediatricians are also seeing a growing number of children sick with respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and enteroviruses.
The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) anticipates more flu activity this winter than the previous two years. DDPHE recommends everyone get a flu shot as getting a flu vaccine is an essential part of protecting your health and your family’s health every year.
Flu shots are readily available. Medicare, Medicaid and most private health insurers cover the full cost of a flu vaccine. Some pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens offer free flu shots.
DDPHE continues to urge everyone to be mindful and take precautions when going about their fall routines. If you feel sick, stay home and get tested. More information and resources are available at denvergov.org/covid19.
Feds Greenlight Updated Omicron Booster for Kids
The federal government has cleared the way for elementary school-aged children to get the updated Omicron booster shot. Two versions are available; one made by Pfizer for 5- to 11-year-olds, and a version from Moderna for 6–11-year-olds, and one for 12-17-year-olds. The doses are modified to target today’s most common and contagious Omicron strain. DDPHE encourages everyone to get the extra protection ahead of holiday gatherings.
DDPHE recognizes many people may be tired of repeated calls to get boosted against COVID-19, but experts say the updated shots have an advantage: They contain half the recipe that targeted the original coronavirus strain and half protection against the dominant BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron versions. These combination or “bivalent” boosters are designed to broaden immune defenses, so people are better protected against serious illness whether they encounter an Omicron relative in the coming months — or a different mutation that’s more like the original virus. All COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are safe and free. Additional resources about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters can be found on the DDPHE COVID-19 webpage.
Denver County Current CDC Level: Low/Green
Denver County Current Status
*Numbers represent data as of Thursday, Oct., 13, 2022 and are subject to change.
Denver residents 6 months and older initiating vaccination – 1st dose received: 85.3%
Denver residents 6 months and older completing vaccination – Fully vaccinated: 77.9%
Denver residents 5 and older receiving booster dose- after initial vaccine series: 50.4%
Denver one-week cumulative incidence rate (7-day average of cases per 100,000 population)
As of 10/12/22: 58.7 per 100,000
Denver one-week average positivity rate*
As of 10/12/22: 4.9%
Hospitalizations
Persons hospitalized with COVID-19 in Denver County: 21 (as of 10/12/22)
Case Summary
Cumulative Denver positive cases: 212,749 (as of 10/13/22)
Cumulative Denver deaths from COVID-19: 1,466 (as of 10/13/22)