COVID-19 and overdoses drove Colorado’s death rate in 2021 – Axios

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

Colorado recorded an uptick in deaths related to COVID-19 and overdoses in 2021, according to data newly finalized from the state health department.

The big picture: The death rate in 2021 didn't improve since hitting a record high in 2020.Health experts blame people not getting vaccinated and soaring fentanyl use for the elevated figures.

By the numbers: The three leading causes of death in 2021 were heart disease, cancer and COVID-19.

What to watch: Whether we see a surge in COVID-19 deaths this year may depend on how quickly vaccines are retooled to fight the latest variants, and how quickly people get them (if they even do so).

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COVID-19 and overdoses drove Colorado's death rate in 2021 - Axios