In a press release on Monday, March 29, Governor Polis announced that all Coloradans over the age of 16 are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine starting on April 2.  Coloradans 18 or older can receive the Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine; 16-and 17-year-olds are eligible to receive only the Pfizer vaccine.  

Multiple large vaccination sites have been established throughout the state, including Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Adams County, Broadmoor World Arena in El Paso County, Grand Junction Convention Center in Mesa County, The Ranch Events Complex in Larimer County and Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo County. Vaccines are being administered in clinics and pharmacies throughout the state, also. Polis said mobile vaccination units will soon be used to provide convenient vaccine access for small communities in Colorado.  

According to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment website, vaccinations were stopped for the day at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Wednesday, April 7, after 11 people experienced adverse reactions. Symptoms included dizziness, nausea and fainting. Two people were transported to a local hospital. Both were examined in the emergency room and released without being admitted. Centura Health, in partnership with the state of Colorado, was hosting the mass vaccination event. 

“After reviewing each patient’s symptoms, analyzing other vaccinations from the same lot of the vaccine and speaking with the CDC to confirm our findings, we are confident in saying that there is no reason for concern,” said Dr. Eric France, chief medical officer, CDPHE. “We are committed to making sure every community clinic is well-staffed with medical professionals who take patient safety with the utmost seriousness, just as they did at yesterday’s clinic.”  

A previously scheduled interview with a representative of Centura Health was canceled. Centura Health could not be reached for further comment. 

Aser Garcia, a resident of Englewood, Colo., received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Broadmoor World Arena mass vaccination event in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Saturday, April 3. During the 30 minutes he was at the drive-thru event, Garcia said he did not witness evidence of patients experiencing adverse effects after receiving the vaccine.  

“They asked everyone to park their cars and stay for 15 minutes after the shot,” Garcia said. “It was a really smooth process. I’m glad I was able to get vaccinated so easily.” 

 Over 1.5 million of the 5.7 million Colorado residents have received at least one vaccine dose. Governor Polis cautioned that administering vaccinations on this scale will not happen overnight.  

“Soon everyone in our state will be able to get the protection they need, but it’s going to take some time,” Polis said. “So while availability opens to everyone this Friday, April 2nd, be patient and know that your time will come.”  

For more information on receiving the vaccine, visit the Colorado Department of Health and Environment website.