According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, at least six Boulder County residents have experienced an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccination.
In an email Friday, CDPHE stated that at least six residents of Boulder County have experienced an adverse reaction from a vaccination against the coronavirus since Dec. 14. The province received its first vaccination assignment on Dec. 22 and quickly began vaccinating outpatient health workers.
A CDPHE spokesperson also wrote that health care providers are required to report certain adverse reactions to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, known as VAERS, immediately after a COVID-19 vaccination response. A side effect is “any health problem that occurs after a vaccination, even if it is not clear that a vaccine caused it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration jointly manage the VAERS data system and are responsible for reviewing COVID-19 vaccine safety data and conducting ongoing vaccine safety monitoring.
“We get regular statewide reports from the CDC, but county data is only included if added by the provider completing the report,” CDPHE said in an email. As of Wednesday, the CDPHE stated that 248 side effects have been reported in Colorado since Jan. 22.
At least six of the affected Boulder County residents, the state noted. Another eight that resulted in death in Colorado are under investigation. Those eight involved Colorado residents aged 70 and older.
The spokesman wrote that they could not characterize the side effects of the residents of the province, as they could be identified by this. All responses involving residents are still under investigation by the CDC and FDA.
CDPHE also stated that “given the large number of COVID-19 vaccinations currently underway, events such as heart attacks, strokes, serious illness and death are expected to occur by chance in the days following vaccination alone.”
The VAERS report indicated that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were mentioned in side effects among Coloradans.
CDPHE did not immediately have data on how many side effects were recorded for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or whether they were from the first or second dose for residents of Boulder County of Coloradans. More data is expected in the future.
On Thursday, Boulder County Public Health reported that 17,736 residents of Boulder County received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose and 16,101 residents were fully vaccinated. A total of 33,837 doses of coronavirus vaccines have been given in Boulder County.
Anyone can self-report a vaccination reaction with the CDC’s V-SAFE smartphone app, even if the reaction occurs after leaving a vaccination provider. The CDC is encouraging residents to report even mild to moderate responses so the service can better understand the coronavirus and its various vaccinations.
For a full list of vaccine providers and information on how to apply to be vaccinated, visit bit.ly/3peyRsD. The Northern Longmont Walmart also offers vaccines to eligible residents who have an appointment. Visit walmart.com/covid to make an appointment.
How to register for vaccination by phone
Residents of Boulder County who don’t have access to smart devices or computers that qualify for vaccines can call 720-776-0822 to be matched with a provider and scheduled.