Colorado's 1st Federal Community Vaccination Site Opens

PUEBLO, CO — An eight-week federal pilot community vaccination site opened Wednesday in Pueblo.

The state-run site at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Avenue, became a federal clinic. Officials said they have enough initial vaccine supply to offer walk-up vaccinations.

The federal partnership will increase vaccination capacity from 1,750 vaccines per day to up to 3,000 vaccines per day; however a portion will be allocated to mobile vaccination buses, Gov. Jared Polis said.

The Pueblo pilot clinic and buses aim to increase vaccination rates in rural communities such as Alamosa, Bent, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties, among others, officials said.

Communities in southern Colorado have been particularly hard-hit throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with less access to health services and vaccines compared to urban communities in Colorado, public health officials said.

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"This isn’t only about quantity, but also equity," Polis said in a statement.

"With this transition, we’ll be able to increase supply for the site, and reach more folks in many of our rural and agricultural communities, making it quick, easy, and convenient for them to get vaccinated. Getting the vaccine isn’t just about protecting yourself, but your loved ones and your community, so make sure to schedule your appointment as soon as you’re able.”

The new federal clinic in Pueblo will open at 7 a.m. each day, seven days a week, officials said. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled here.