Duval County

Johnson and Johnson vaccines available again

By Jessica Barreto, Action News Jax
By Jessica Barreto, Action News Jax

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Sunday, federally-supported vaccine sites made the Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) vaccine available once again, alongside Pfizer vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lifted the 10-day pause on the J & J late Friday, after they deemed the risk of blood clots to be extremely small.

“We’re all excited here at Gateway Mall, with the possibility of giving out additional shots in arms,” FEMA spokesperson Mark Brady said.

Women 18 to 49 need to check a box on their consent form if they want the J & J so they understand the risks.

RELATED: Health officials lift pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine

Scientists reviewed cases of a rare blood clotting disorder that occurred among 15 women, but found the risk was extremely small as nearly eight million Americans have received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

“The benefits far outweigh the risks involved with the blood clots,” Brady added.

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Michael McCoy got his J & J shot before the pause.

“One shot, it went well,” he said. “No side effects or anything like that. I feel great.”

But, the Pfizer vaccine is also an option. First doses are still available and McCoy is glad he could bring his kids to get theirs.

”I’m very glad,” McCoy said. “I’m happy I want my children to be protected.”

Keep in mind, this site could soon switch back to second Pfizer doses and J and J doses only, though it is still unclear when that would happen.

QUICK LINKS: Where to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the Jacksonville area

Currently there are 3,000 Pfizer doses and 3,000 Johnson and Johnson doses available at the Gateway site and other federally-funded sites.

The sites are open 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you don’t need an appointment.

Saturday vaccines as of 4:45 p.m. (the site closed early due to storms):

  • 1st Pfizer doses: 93
  • 2nd Pfizer doses: 225
  • Total: 318

Sunday vaccines as of 11:30 a.m.:

  • 1st Pfizer doses: 31
  • 2nd Pfizer doses: 62
  • Johnson and Johnson doses: 30
  • Total: 123

Regardless of preference, McCoy says the most important thing is for folks to get vaccinated.

”It’s protecting themselves and others as well,” he said.

Cox Media Group

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