Colorado Springs COVID-19 vaccine site only in state to have doses confiscated
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — New information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment indicates the Dr. Moma medical spa in Colorado Springs is the only COVID-19 vaccine site in the state to have its administration put on pause.
"To date, we haven’t had anything come up specifically like the El Paso situation where we needed to close the site. We have moved vaccines when providers notify us of potential problems, like unstable storage units," said a spokesperson for CDPHE.
According to El Paso County Public Health's list of vaccine providers, it was also the only medical spa approved by the state to administer vaccines. Dr. Moma's typically provides services like Botox, fillers, and laser hair removal.
Local health officials reported concerns over COVID-19 vaccine handling and storage during an inspection at Dr. Moma's medical spa. The state then confiscated 3,150 doses on Friday.
At least 150 doses were wasted after the department was unable to verify if necessary handling and temperatures were maintained.
Anastasia Harder almost didn't get the Pfizer vaccine at the site last Wednesday.
"Initially when I had first looked at this place I was kind of worried because it’s not a huge clinic like King Soopers or CVS," said Harder.
But facing supply shortages, Harder reluctantly clicked the confirmation button and got vaccinated at the clinic two days before the issue was uncovered.
"Scheduling this first one was a headache. Like I was up at 12 a.m. and that’s the only reason I got this appointment was because I was refreshing the page every five minutes trying to find an appointment," she said.
El Paso County Public Health and the state health department are telling people who got vaccinated at Dr. Moma’s clinic to wait for guidance from health officials before continuing or re-starting the COVID-19 vaccine process.
The state health department points out that every COVID-19 vaccine provider must go through an enrollment process before being cleared to administer doses to the public.
"Each provider goes through a formal enrollment process that is laid out by the CDC and CDPHE and must demonstrate capacity to meet all COVID-19 Vaccine Program requirements prior to becoming an approved vaccine provider," said CDPHE.
