Denver COVID-19 Status Update: Sept. 16, 2022

Published on September 16, 2022

COVID-19, Flu Vaccinations Perfectly Fine at the Same Time

Flu season is just around the corner and the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment recommends everyone get a flu shot. While flu numbers were lower than normal in 2020 and 2021, we anticipate more cases this year as most face covering requirements have been lifted. Getting a flu vaccine is an essential part of protecting your health and your family’s health every year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if a patient is eligible, both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same visit. This includes boosters. Each shot should be given in different limbs, if possible. There is no evidence getting a flu vaccination raises the risk of getting sick from COVID-19 or any other coronavirus. It’s also safe for kids five years and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time. Patients with concerns about getting both vaccines at the same time should speak with their primary health care provider.

It is very important to be vaccinated against the flu every year; flu is a deadly disease that can cause illness, hospitalization and even death. September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against flu. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. Flu shots and nasal mists 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.

Colorado Mobile Vax Clinics Return to Denver

Ready to get your COVID-19 vaccine or booster? Mass vaccination sites are returning to the Denver metro area and offer the two new, bivalent booster shots that take aim at the latest strains and variants of COVID-19. Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment buses are rolling back into parking lots at Ball Arena and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Appointments are recommended. The vaccination buses also offer primary vaccine doses for anyone aged 6 months and older, as well as third doses for children aged 5 through 11 years. Novavax is available at every site for anyone aged 12 years and up who has not already received a vaccine.

DDPHE recommends everyone aged 12 years and older receive the updated booster as soon as possible if it has been two months or more since their primary vaccination series or last booster dose. 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, Sept. 15, 2022 and are subject to change.        

Denver residents 6 months and older initiating vaccination – 1st dose received: 88.5%        

Denver residents 6 months and older completing vaccination – Fully vaccinated: 80.7%      

Denver residents 5 and older receiving booster dose- after initial vaccine series: 50.0%      

Denver one-week cumulative incidence rate (7-day average of cases per 100,000 population) 

As of 9/14/22: 74.7

Denver one-week average positivity rate*  

As of 9/14/22: 5.1%     

Hospitalizations  

Persons hospitalized with COVID-19 in Denver County: 17 (as of 9/16/22)        

Case Summary  

Cumulative Denver positive cases: 210,652 (as of 9/15/22)      

Cumulative Denver deaths from COVID-19: 1,458 (as of 9/15/22)