PUEBLO, Colo. — A COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Pueblo Mall for residents 70 and older reached its quota before it even opened on Monday, according to the Pueblo Department of Health and Environment.
About 700 people were vaccinated at the clinic Monday before the vaccine supply on hand was exhausted, city officials said at a press conference Monday afternoon.
Vehicles had lined up for hours ahead of time, and many people were turned away, said Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor.
"It was terrible," he said. "I hope they accept my apology, and we’re going to fix it."
Going forward, those 70 and older must register at pueblovaxnow.com, or by calling 719-583-4444, and will be informed when it's their turn to get vaccinated. The hope with the new scheduling system was to avoid long lines, heavy traffic and frustration.
"Don’t show up," Taylor said. "Sign up."
Before the clinic on Monday, the health department said it would operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until the vaccine was used up.
About 8 a.m., the health department posted on social media that the clinic had already met its quota from the vehicles in line.
>> Video above: What Coloradans want to know about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Pueblo health department planned to hold another vaccination clinic on Tuesday at Pueblo Mall, after they received more doses from the state. That clinic, and all those moving forward, will only be for those who register and are notified that they can go, officials said.
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