DENVER (KDVR) – Colorado healthcare workers are required to get vaccinated under an emergency rule passed in August, and that rule has been extended for an additional 120 days.

The State Health Council made the announcement on Wednesday, which requires all licensed health facilities to impose COVID vaccination on all staff, including employees, direct contractors, and interacting support staff. with people receiving or requesting medical care.

“I’m glad the Board of Health adopted this rule a second time. This rule protects not only the most vulnerable people, but also the healthcare workers themselves, ”said Randy Kuykendall, director of healthcare facilities and the EMS division of the Department of Public Health and the Environment. Colorado.

“I am so proud of the way the healthcare community has responded to the pandemic in general; another example of their commitment to public health is how well they responded to immunization requirements. Healthcare workers have overwhelmingly accepted the vaccine and followed the rule. More than 92% of Colorado healthcare workers are vaccinated. This is a huge plus for anyone looking for healthcare in Colorado, ”Kuykendall said.

The rule has been followed for the most part, as Colorado nursing home staff are over 93% vaccinated.

CDPHE will continue to monitor local trends to decide whether the state of emergency will remain in place.