Fort Carson Soldiers Deploy To Support COVID Vaccine Efforts In Southern Colorado

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4)- More than 100 soldiers from Fort Carson Army Post near Colorado Springs will deploy to Southern Colorado to support COVID-19 vaccine efforts. The 140 soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division hit the road on Monday.

They will help with a state-run, federally supported community vaccination center in Pueblo. The vaccine site at the Colorado State Fairgrounds transitioned to a FEMA Pilot Site this week as part of the joint effort between FEMA and the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Right now, the plan is to keep the vaccination site open for 8 weeks.

The mission is to deliver 3,000 doses a day. Southern Colorado communities have been especially hit hard with less access to health services and the vaccine compared to more urban communities across the state. About 20% of Pueblo County residents live below the poverty line.

Fort Carson's commander said he is proud of the soldiers who are helping to save lives in their own backyard.