Colorado will offer grants to primary care physicians to help them administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents, Gov. Jared Polis announced Thursday.
The governor offered few details about how the program will work, but state officials said the initial grants will range between $60,000 and $120,000 per enrolled practice, with additional compensation possible.
For some people who are hesitant to get a COVID-19 vaccine, “the most meaningful conversation they can have is with their doctor,” Polis said during a news briefing. “They are accustomed, of course, to taking treatment advice from their doctor.”
Primary care practices can apply for the program starting Thursday and through Dec. 1. They will be approved on a rolling basis. Family practices, private practices, pediatrician groups and other doctors qualify for the grants, Polis said.
“By making it easier for physicians in clinics and offices across the state to administer the free COVID-19 vaccines, we might not only boost our community immunity to the virus, but also begin to make these critical health care connections for more Coloradans,” state Rep. Yadira Caraveo, tri-chair of the Colorado Vaccine Equity Taskforce, said in a statement.
The grant can be used for hiring a temporary staff member to help with scheduling appointments or to do community outreach, Polis said.
So far, 67.6% of eligible Coloradans are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to the state health department.
Updated 4 p.m. Sept. 2, 2021 This story has been updated after the governor’s office issued corrected information saying the grants will range from $60,000 to $120,000 and that providers can apply through Dec. 1.
This story has been updated after the governor’s office issued corrected information saying the grants will range from $60,000 to $120,000 and that providers can apply through Dec. 1, 2021.