COMMERCE CITY, Colo – Operations during the mass vaccination event at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City were halted after multiple reactions to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Wednesday, according to a Centura Health spokesman.
After the vaccine was administered and during on-site observation, a “limited number” of adverse reactions to the vaccine occurred, the spokesman originally said. The spokesman later confirmed that 11 people who were vaccinated on Wednesday had an adverse reaction. On-site medical personnel determined that two individuals needed extra observation and were taken to nearby hospitals out of caution.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) said Wednesday night patients are experiencing symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. Nine of them were treated with juice and water on the premises.
By protocol, Centura Health, in partnership with the state, decided to interrupt the rest of Wednesday.
“Our goal is to continue to vaccinate Coloradans as quickly as possible while keeping our patients’ safety at the forefront,” the spokesman said in a statement.
CDPHE said it has no reason to believe that people vaccinated at the site should be concerned, and that adverse reactions are usually immediate.
“We know it can be worrying to hear that people are being transported to the hospital, and we want to ensure that Colorado’s CDC and public health are constantly monitoring all authorized vaccines. As far as we know, today’s side effects were consistent. with what 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 1700 patients were vaccinated on Wednesday. The 640 patients who cannot receive a vaccine are automatically scheduled for Sunday, April 11 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. On Sunday, the site will distribute Pfizer vaccines so that those who prefer a Johnson & Johnson vaccine can find other vaccination clinics here.
The situation has no bearing 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, ten responses to community vaccines were documented before Wednesday.
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The mass vaccine clinic, which works in partnership with Adams County and Centura Health, opened on March 22, with some issues outside of some days that had long waiting times. The site operates Sunday-Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Health workers currently vaccinate 2,000 or more people a day on the site, hoping it can 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.