DENVER – Thousands of Colorado residents began receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as part of the state’s first allocation on Saturday.
More than 45,000 doses of the third vaccine arrived in Colorado earlier this week.
On Saturday, about 1,900 doses were given at a national Jewish health vaccine clinic.
“It’s easier for us because we can vaccinate a lot more people. We can use resources for the second clinic to vaccinate people for the first time,” said Dr. Charles Dailey, who helped vaccinate Coloradans on Saturday morning.
Dr. Dailey said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine made the process faster because it reduced the time to talk about when to return for the second dose.
He added that the Johnson and Johnson vaccine also makes it easier to get more shots in the arms.
“I think that’s huge, because we need to reach as many people as possible,” said Dr. Dailey.
Those who received the shot said that the biggest advantage for them is that they do not have to return for the second dose.
“Actually, I like the idea of not having to go back,” said Michael Lierley.
Nancy Lattimore, who was accompanied by her husband, shared that feeling.
“Well, it’s okay. He has to leave next week to take his second dose and I’ll finish,” she said.
National Jewish Health plans to administer another 600 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Tuesday.