‘Threats’ cancel COVID-19 vaccine clinics

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Two state-run mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Pueblo County School District 70 buildings were canceled last week following "threats" from an online group, according to a D70 spokesperson.

The vaccine clinic cancelations resulted in 115 people, including kids, not being able to get vaccinated last Thursday and Friday.

The first clinic canceled was a Pleasant View Middle School, where 65 people were signed up to get the COVID shot on Thursday. 50 people signed up for a Friday clinic at the D70 Administration Building but it was also canceled due to "threats."

It's unclear what the specific threats said, but a D70 spokesperson said they were made by a social media group "Pueblo Stands Up", which is believed to include some D70 parents. School district officials did not describe the "threats" as violent but said they were made against the vaccine clinic.

The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office told 13 Investigates their agency was not contacted about the threats.

The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) confirmed it was called out to a protest when the mobile vaccine clinic was at Morton Elementary last Friday. Officers stayed on the scene during the small protest and there were no arrests made in connection with the incident, according to PPD.

We have reached out to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for more information. Monday evening, the CDPHE gave 13 Investigates the following statement:

We are aware of a small number of threats that have occurred this year and the very real pressure many public health officials and health care workers are under. Threats against the people who are working so hard to end this pandemic are reprehensible and we strongly condemn them. We are grateful for the work that our local public health partners have accomplished during this crisis and empathetic to the pressure they face.  

CDPHE works closely with the Colorado Department of Public Safety and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to monitor and respond to potential threats. Staff on our mobile vaccination clinics have experienced isolated incidents on a few occasions. We applaud their hard work and are disappointed that anyone would choose to interfere with their goals to protect Coloradans from COVID-19. We remind Coloradans to contact their local law enforcement agency if they are aware of a specific threat, and to report any suspicious activity to the Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment