As Colorado continues the initial distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, hotel workers are asking to be next.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association urged governors Tuesday to include hotel workers in Phase 1B of the vaccine distribution, the next phase after high-risk health care workers and people living in long-term care facilities.

“Each day that (hotel workers) come to work, they welcome both global and domestic travelers increasing their likelihood of contracting the virus,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA.

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In Colorado, Phase 1B currently includes moderate-risk health care workers; workers in home health, hospice, dental settings; firefighters; police; correctional employees; dispatchers; funeral services; and COVID-19 response personnel.

State officials hope to offer vaccines to this group by the end of February.

“It’s important to note that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, hotel workers have remained on the front lines — working to support front-line emergency and health care workers,” said Maura Morton with AHLA.

In March, AHLA launched the Hospitality for Hope Initiative, providing temporary housing for health care workers to allow them to stay closer to work and avoid infecting their households.

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Hotels have also served as quarantine centers throughout the country.

In Denver, some hotels are being used to shelter individuals experiencing homelessness who have been infected with COVID-19.

“Prioritizing hotel employees with access to the vaccine would provide a necessary layer of protection,” Morton said.

Rogers also argues that vaccinating hotel workers will help to drive the economy by allowing hotels to serve at full capacity when travel resumes.

“Ensuring hotel employees are prioritized during the vaccine rollout will help keep both employees and guests safe,” he said.

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Nearly 40,000 Coloradans have been vaccinated so far, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The state is expecting to receive 39,780 doses of the Pfizer vaccine this week, nearly 30,000 fewer than the state anticipated.