Only 21% of appointments at Colorado Springs mass vaccination site filled last week

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Hundreds of COVID-19 vaccine appointments were not filled at the Broadmoor World Arena mass vaccination clinic in Colorado Springs from April 19 to April 26.

“We originally saw a lot of uptake, those early adopters who were excited to get their vaccine,” said Medical Director for El Paso County Public Health Dr. Robin Johnson. “And now I think there is some kind of lack of that demand.”

It’s quite the opposite of what the county experienced almost exactly one month ago, when demand was so high, Centura Health had to turn away people with appointments at the Broadmoor World Arena.

Centura Health reports 3,147 doses were administered out of 14,700 available for appointment in the last week. It's just about 21%. All were Pfizer first doses. 

“The most important thing we’re going to do — is not hesitate to vaccinate,” said Dr. Johnson.

However, a spokesperson for Centura Health says it only thaws what it needs to ensure a dose is never wasted. Centura says if a supply allocated for a certain day is not used, it’s left in the freezer.

When asked if unused doses will be sent elsewhere in Colorado, the state responded saying the Broadmoor World Arena has 12,000 appointments scheduled through this weekend, which will allow them to get through most of the doses that were not used last week. 

The Broadmoor World Arena is open Friday through Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. To make it more convenient, the mass vaccination site will now take walk-up patients on the weekends.

For individuals who are hesitant to get a vaccine out f fear of getting sick and missing work, the state said the following:

The Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) passed in July, 2020 (S.B. 20-205) requires employers to provide COVID-related supplemental leave, including preventative care such as vaccination. It also requires time off for any health condition that would prevent an employee from working, including vaccine side effects. The employee should consult with their employer.

Spokesperson for CDPHE