COVID19
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2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines
On Sept. 3, 2025, CDPHE Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan issued Public Health Order 25-01: Access to COVID-19 Vaccines, and CDPHE’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ned Calonge, issued a standing order that will take effect on Friday, Sept. 5. The standing order allows other appropriately trained health care workers, such as nurses and pharmacists, to administer vaccines according to a protocol. This allows Coloradans to receive the vaccine at participating providers and pharmacies without having to first obtain an individual prescription. Costs may still apply depending on the person’s insurance coverage.
The updated COVID-19 vaccines protect against the latest variants of the COVID-19 virus. Most people only need one dose of the updated vaccine. It’s safe to get your COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same appointment.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus. Scientists first identified this virus in December 2019. From January 2020 until May 2023, COVID-19 was a federal public health emergency in the United States.
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Depending on your personal risk factors, you may choose to take additional precautions, like wearing a mask and improving ventilation in your home and workplace.
COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person through the air. Symptoms of COVID-19 may include cough, runny nose, sore throat, tiredness, body aches, fever, chills, and new loss of taste or smell. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Some people infected with the virus don’t have any symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s respiratory virus guidance for people with COVID-19 is simple and aligns with guidance for other respiratory viruses, including flu and RSV. Stay home until your symptoms improve and you have been fever free (without medication) for 24 hours. When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next five days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. People most at risk for severe illness, including those older than 65 years and people with weakened immune systems, may want to consider more precautions. This updated guidance is intended for community settings. Respiratory virus guidance for licensed residential and long-term care facilities, including assisted living residences and group homes, is located in CDPHE’s guidance for assisted living and group homes.
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and recover in a few weeks. But some people get very sick, and some die from the disease. Some people are sick from COVID-19 for a long time.
COVID-19 medicine
If you have COVID-19, getting medicine fast can help you avoid getting seriously sick.
Resources for health care providers and local public health
Find information for clinicians, facilities, and more.