Commerce City, Colo. – A site offering Johnson & Johnson vaccines in Colorado closed Wednesday after some people had mild reactions.
Paul Doucett said he was looking forward to getting his vaccine, but was turned down before he had a chance.
“We got there at about 2:30, early, and then we had about five cars away from the next row to get the shot and they stopped it,” he said.
Doucett saw two ambulances and said something was forgotten.
“One was approaching when you entered. And there was already one installed there, “he said.
The organizer, Health Belt, said it called for closure after seeing several side effects.
In a statement, spokeswoman Lindsay Radford said: “We followed our protocols and, with great caution, we made the decision – in partnership with the state – to suspend operations for the rest of the day.”
The Health Belt said only 11 patients, or 0.62 percent of those who received the vaccine on Wednesday, had mild reactions. Most were monitored at the vaccination site, but two people were transported to a hospital “as a precaution,” officials said.
“It’s been at least an hour and a half before they come back and say we’re not comfortable with the side effects, so we’ll schedule you again,” said Doucett, who was disappointed but worried.
“I’m a Marine, I’m not really worried about taking a shot, and if Dr. Fauci says take the shot, I’ll take it,” he said.
Doucett’s wife had already received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine earlier in the day at another location, and he said he was “doing great.”
Doucett said he still trusts and wants the shot.
“Yes. That won’t discourage me at all,” he said.
According to a Facebook post, 1,700 patients received photos on the site on Wednesday before it closed, and the 640 removed will be automatically rescheduled for Sunday, April 11th.