Jeffco Residents Encourage Coloradans To Get Vaccine: Video

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Child care providers, paramedics, counselors and other front line workers in Jefferson County are encouraging fellow community members to get their coronavirus vaccines in a 'Together We Go Forward' video.

Carrie Kennedy, president of the Jefferson County Childcare Association, opens the video with her own story.

"There are several reasons why I got the vaccine," she said. "Working with young children and families, I take it very personally — it's a big responsibility to keep my families, keep my kids safe."

The video was posted in mid-March by Jefferson County Public Health, but interviewees' messages are more important than ever, as Colorado aims to reach herd immunity. Around 70 percent of the population needs to be vaccinated to halt the pandemic, U.S. epidemiologists said.

More than three million Coloradans — around 60.7 percent of those eligible, have been vaccinated with at least one dose, Gov. Jared Polis announced Saturday. More than 2.5 million people are fully immunized.

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"We've successfully protected more than half our state from this deadly virus and I'm proud of the work so many Coloradans have put into reaching this milestone," Polis said in a statement.

"We've all hoped for the day when we can take off our mask, hug friends and family, and enjoy the sunshine — this vaccine makes it possible. Each person who gets vaccinated makes our community safer."

Many of the interviewees in the Jeffco 'Together We Go Forward' video expressed their relief at no longer having to worry about infecting their loved ones.

"I have several elderly family members and I never really felt comfortable being around them just because of ... how much contact I have with patients who are COVID-positive," said Emily, a paramedic with Arvada Fire Protection District.

"I am so ready and so very excited to be able to go over to my parents' house and just hang out with them."