DENVER – Thousands of Colorado residents began receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as part of the state’s first assignment Saturday.
More than 45,000 doses of the third vaccine arrived in Colorado earlier this week.
On Saturday, approximately 1,900 doses were administered 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 this 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, as it reduced the time to talk about when to do a second dose again.
He added that the Johnson and Johnson vaccine also makes it easier to take more shots in the arms.
“I think it’s huge, because we need to reach as many people as we can,” Dr. Dailey said.
Those who received the shot said the biggest advantage for them was not having to come back for a second dose.
“I actually like the idea of not having to go back,” Michael Lierley said.
Nancy Lattimore, who was accompanied by her husband, shared this feeling.
“Well, that’s fine. He has to go next week to take his second dose and I’ll do it,” he said.
National Jewish Health plans to administer an additional 600 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine during a clinic Tuesday.