DENVER – The federally- supported COVID-19 Community Vaccination Site (CVS) at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo will close on June 14, after completing nine weeks of vaccinations, one week more than the original pilot timeline. The site must close in order to return the property to the Colorado State Fairgrounds for previously scheduled events.
FEMA began supporting the vaccination effort at the Colorado State Fairgrounds on April 14, in cooperation with the State of Colorado, the Department of Defense (DoD), Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, Centura Health, and Covid Check Colorado. Federal support brought dedicated personnel, supplies, and vaccine to the site.
The CVS was also a hub for mobile equity clinics that brought vaccines into several socially vulnerable communities, and included outreach at schools, churches, rescue missions, and vaccinations of migrant farm workers and home-based individuals.
“As this site sunsets, we can reflect on our collective efforts to remove barriers to accessing the COVID-19 vaccine in the Pueblo community,” said Nancy Dragani, acting FEMA Regional Administrator. “FEMA, Colorado, the City and County of Pueblo, and area community groups are working together to make sure the vaccine is available to anyone who wants it.”
The site continues to offer both first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine, as well as single doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Since May 25, 2021, and through the closure of the site, individuals receiving their first Pfizer vaccine dose at the site are being provided with local resources for scheduling their second dose.
Since the CVS transitioned to FEMA April 14, it has been supported by DoD personnel. FEMA and DoD staff worked alongside Centura Health staff and locally hired non-clinical staff in administering vaccines to the Pueblo community.