At least six Boulder County residents have experienced an adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccination, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
In a Friday email, CDPHE said that at least six residents of Boulder County have experienced an adverse reaction to vaccination against coronavirus since December 14. The county received its first dose of vaccine on December 22 and quickly began inoculating outpatient health workers.
A CDPHE spokesperson also wrote that healthcare professionals are required to report certain adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Notification System known as VAERS immediately after a COVID-19 vaccination reaction. An adverse event is “any health problem that occurs after vaccination, even if it is not clear whether it was caused by a vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration co-manage the VAERS data system and are responsible for reviewing the safety data for the COVID-19 vaccine and conducting continuous monitoring of vaccine safety.
“We receive regular state reports from the CDC, but county data is only included if added by the provider filling out the report,” said the CDPHE by email. On Wednesday, CDPHE said there had been 248 adverse events reported in Colorado since January 22.
At least six of the residents involved in Boulder County, the state noted. Another eight that resulted in deaths in Colorado are under investigation. These eight involved Colorado residents aged 70 or older.
The spokesman wrote that it was not possible to characterize the adverse reactions experienced by county residents because, in doing so, they could identify them. All reactions involving residents are still under investigation by the CDC and the FDA.
The CDPHE also stated that “given the large number of COVID-19 vaccinations underway, events such as heart attacks, strokes, serious illness and death are expected to happen by chance in the days after vaccination.”
The VAERS report indicated that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been cited in adverse reactions among coloradans.
CDPHE had no immediate data on how many adverse reactions were recorded for Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or whether they were first or second doses for residents of Boulder County or Coloradans. More data is expected in the future.
On Thursday, Boulder County Public Health reported that 17,736 Boulder County residents received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 16,101 residents were fully vaccinated. A total of 33,837 doses of coronavirus vaccine were administered in Boulder County.
Anyone can report a reaction to vaccination with the CDC’s V-SAFE smartphone app, even if the reaction occurs after leaving the vaccination provider. The CDC encourages residents to report even mild to moderate reactions so that the agency can better understand the coronavirus and the various vaccinations.
For a complete list of vaccine providers and information on how to apply for vaccination, visit bit.ly/3peyRsD. North Longmont Walmart is also offering vaccines to eligible residents who have an appointment. To arrange a meeting, visit walmart.com/covid.
How to apply for vaccination by phone
Boulder County residents without access to smart devices or computers that are eligible for vaccines can call 720-776-0822 to find a provider and schedule.