COMMERCE CITY, Colorado – Operations at the mass vaccination event at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City were halted after multiple adverse reactions to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Wednesday, according to a Health Belt spokesman.
After the vaccine was administered and during field observation, a “limited number” of adverse reactions to the vaccine occurred, the spokesman initially said. The spokesman later confirmed that 11 people who were vaccinated on Wednesday had an adverse reaction. The medical staff at the scene determined that two individuals needed additional observations and were taken to nearby hospitals as a precaution.
On Wednesday night, the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) said patients had symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. Nine of them were treated on the spot with juice and water.
According to the protocol, the Health Belt, in partnership with the state, made the decision to suspend operations for the rest of Wednesday.
“Our goal is to continue to vaccinate Coloradans as soon as possible, while keeping the safety of our patients at the forefront,” the spokesman said in a statement.
CDPHE said it has no reason to believe that people who have been vaccinated at the site should be concerned, and side effects are usually immediate.
“We know it can be alarming to hear about people being transported to the hospital, and we want to assure Coloradans that the CDC and public health are closely monitoring all licensed vaccines on an ongoing basis. As far as we know, today’s side effects were in line with what can be expected, “said Scott Bookman, the commander of the COVID-19 incident. Getting a vaccine is much safer than a serious COVID-19 disease.”
A total of 1,700 patients were vaccinated on Wednesday. The 640 patients who cannot receive a vaccine will be automatically rescheduled for Sunday, April 11, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. However, on Sunday the site will distribute Pfizer vaccines, so those who prefer a Johnson & Johnson vaccine can find other vaccination clinics here.
The situation has no impact on other vaccine providers, says CDPHE.
According to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which is co-managed by the CDC and the FDA, there were 10 previous documented reactions at community vaccination sites before Wednesday.
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The mass vaccine clinic, which operates in partnership with Adams County and the Health Belt, opened on March 22, with a few issues apart from long days of waiting. The site operates Sunday-Wednesday, from 09:00 to 17:00. Healthcare professionals are currently vaccinating 2,000 or more people a day, hoping to 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.