So far, 183,000 Coloradans have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The State of Colorado is keeping track of every resident who has received the COVID-19 vaccine. The information is quickly becoming a confidential database maintained by the state health department.
The database indicates that, as of Monday, January 11, 183,000 people have received the first dose of the vaccine and 33,000 people have had the second dose. The meticulous database contains the name, date of birth, address, and contact information of every person who has received a dose. Healthcare providers have been instructed to add the information into the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS).
The database can only be accessed by providers and public health employees by searching for specific names in the system. By state law, the information should only be accessed in the course of providing health care to a patient.
The state sent a letter to Phase 1 vaccine providers with more guidance on when to administer vaccines according to the updated phases and to increase efficiency in administration.
— Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (@CDPHE) January 7, 2021
Press release: https://t.co/AoEaGRIS6W
Letter: https://t.co/fnZIgxW5Y2#Covid19Colorado
In part, the process has been put into place to make sure the rollout of the vaccine goes according to the distribution plan. If the state finds out a provider allowed a patient to receive a dose when they weren't eligible, the provider could lose access to future supplies of the vaccine.
A spokeswoman of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) stated to FOX31 that the law allows the reporting of immunization to be kept through CIIS without the need of patient authorization. However, the law also provides for strict privacy and confidentiality controls.
The tracking system and confidential database are only meant to be accessed in order to provide patient care. If anyone were found to have gained unauthorized access to the system, they could face disciplinary action and criminal charges.
