COMMERCE CITY, Colorado. – Operations at the mass vaccination event at Dick’s Sports Goods Park in Commerce City have been halted after multiple adverse reactions to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Wednesday, according to a Centura Health spokesman.
After the administration of the vaccine 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 vaccinated on Wednesday had an adverse reaction. The medical staff at the site determined that two individuals needed additional observation and were taken to nearby hospitals with great caution.
On Wednesday evening, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) said patients were experiencing symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. Nine of them were treated in situ with juice and water.
According to the protocol, Centura Health, in collaboration with the state, made the decision to stop operations the rest of Wednesday.
“Our goal is to continue vaccinating Coloradoans as quickly 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 vaccinated at the site should be concerned, and adverse reactions are usually immediate.
“We know it can be alarming to hear about transporting people to the hospital and we want to assure Colorado residents that the CDC and public health are continuously monitoring all authorized vaccines. As far as we know, the current side effects were consistent with.” It can be expected, “said Scott Bookman, incident commander of COVID-19.” Getting a vaccine is much safer than getting seriously ill with COVID-19. “
In all, 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 vaccine clinics here.
The situation does not affect other vaccine providers, CDPHE says.
According to the Adverse Vaccine Event Reporting System (VAERS), which is co-managed by the CDC and the FDA, there have been 10 previous documented reactions at community vaccination sites prior to Wednesday.
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The mass vaccine clinic, which operates in collaboration with Adams County and Centura Health, opened on March 22 with few problems outside of a few days with long waiting times. The site operates Sunday-Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently, health professionals vaccinate 2,000 or more people a day at the site, hoping to be able to care for up to 6,000 people a day once there is enough vaccine supply available.
Other mass vaccination sites in the state include Ball Arena, Broadmoor World Arena, Grand Junction Convention Center and Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, with plans to open another location at The Ranch in Loveland.