Governor Polis Received Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Colorado governor got his shots at the state Capitol to encourage residents to protect their own health.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in COVID-19

Governor Polis Received Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations

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Do you plan to get a flu or COVID-19 vaccination this season?

Governor Jared Polis received both his seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the state Capitol. He aims to demonstrate the convenience of the process while highlighting the importance of preventative care as viral activity increases.

Why it matters

The governor hopes to lead by example as Colorado faces an early start to the flu season. By getting vaccinated, he aims to reduce the risk of spreading viruses to vulnerable populations, including his own elderly parents.

Nearly 7% of Coloradans have received a flu shot, a decrease of more than 1% compared to this time last year. Meanwhile, September flu cases were four times higher than the same month in 2025.

The players

Jared Polis

Jared Polis is the current Governor of Colorado who received his vaccinations at the state Capitol to encourage public health participation.

The details

Vaccines are currently available to the public at pharmacies, clinics, and doctors' offices across Colorado. Health officials are monitoring the situation as September saw significantly higher flu activity than the previous year, with 36 people currently hospitalized for influenza and 34 for COVID-19.

September 2026: Flu cases were four times higher than in September 2025.
September 30, 2026: 36 people were hospitalized with flu and 34 with COVID-19.
October 1, 2026: The vaccination event took place.
November or December 2026: The typical expected start of the flu season.
December 31, 2025: Nearly 800 flu patients were hospitalized.

The Big Picture

The push for vaccinations follows the established recommendations set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regarding seasonal preventative care. The governor's public participation reinforces these state health guidelines as local viral transmission levels begin to shift.

Coloradans can obtain their own flu and COVID-19 vaccinations by visiting local pharmacies, clinics, or primary care providers. Staying up to date on these immunizations is recommended to help manage the risk of illness as the flu season trends toward an earlier start than usual.

The takeaway

Proactive vaccination remains the primary strategy for mitigating the impact of rising viral cases across the state. Residents are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best timing for their own seasonal shots.