Nurse shares experience working at Pueblo Mall vaccine clinic

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Lisa Garrett traveled all the way from Oklahoma to help vaccinate members of Pueblo’s most vulnerable community.

She’s been a nurse for 30 years but said her experience at the Covid-19 vaccine clinic at the Pueblo Mall has been the most gratifying of her career.

Though lines were wrapped around the mall as people ages 70 and up waited for their chance to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, Garrett said the wait times haven't seemed to bother people much.

"The elderly folks, they just pat your hand and say thank you," said Garrett. "We thank them for coming, too."

Lines will hopefully be shorter at the clinic on Wednesday, January 14th, as vaccines are being given exclusively to people ages 70 and older by appointment only.

A record-breaking 1,000 vaccines are expected to be administered to residents on this day; hundreds more than the clinic's daily average of 700.

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s office said they’re aiming for even higher.

“Our goal is 150 per day," said Sheriff Kirk Taylor with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office. "I believe we did 140, then 180, about 180 vaccines per hour.”

Garrett said she’s up for the task, and plans to be in Colorado until April.

She said she was originally working the front-lines in Oklahoma when she received the out-of-state assignment.

So far, she’s been impressed by clinic’s process.

“When we vaccinate them then they drive through. They have to sit for 15 minutes to make sure they aren’t having any reaction," said Garrett. "Then the EMT and police will let them go."

Garrett said if you’ve already been vaccinated, you’re not out of the woods yet.

"Come back and get your second one, still be careful, still wear your mask, and still social distance,” said Garrett.

Pueblo residents can still register to get updates on when to receive the Covid-19 vaccine here.