COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – According to a Centura Health spokesperson, operations during the mass vaccination event at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City were interrupted after multiple adverse reactions to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine Wednesday.
After administration of the vaccine and during on-site observation, a “limited number” of side effects to the vaccine occurred, the spokesman originally said. The spokesperson later confirmed that 11 people vaccinated on Wednesday had an adverse reaction. Medical personnel at the scene determined that two people needed additional observation and were transferred to nearby hospitals with great caution.
Wednesday night, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) said patients were experiencing symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. Nine of them were treated with juice and water on the spot.
Per protocol, Centura Health, in conjunction with the state, has decided to pause operations for the remainder of Wednesday.
“Our goal is to continue to vaccinate Coloradans as soon as possible while keeping the safety of our patients first,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
CDPHE said it has no reason to believe that people vaccinated on the spot should be concerned, and side effects usually occur immediately.
“We know it can be alarming to hear that people are being transported to the hospital, and we want to reassure Coloradans that the CDC and public health are constantly monitoring all approved vaccines. we know. can be expected, “said Scott Bookman, COVID-19 Incident Commander.” Getting a vaccine is much safer than getting seriously ill with COVID-19. “
A total of 1,700 patients were vaccinated on Wednesday. The 640 patients who cannot receive a vaccine will be automatically rescheduled to Sunday April 11 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Sunday, however, the site will distribute Pfizer vaccines, so those who prefer a Johnson & Johnson vaccine can find other vaccine clinics here.
The situation does not affect other vaccine suppliers, CDPHE says.
According to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which is jointly managed by the CDC and the FDA, 10 previous responses were documented at local vaccine sites before Wednesday.
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The mass vaccination clinic, which works in partnership with Adams County and Centura Health, opened March 22 with few problems other than several days of long wait. The site is open Sunday through Wednesday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Health workers are currently vaccinating 2,000 or more people a day at the site, in the hope that it will be able to serve up to 6,000 people a day once enough vaccine is available.
Other mass vaccination sites in the state include Ball Arena, Broadmoor World Arena, Grand Junction Convention Center, and Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, and The Ranch in Loveland.