Community Corner
St. Louis Area Health Departments Plan To Re-Launch J&J Vaccine Quickly
Friday, the CDC lifted its recommended pause on the use of the vaccine and many health departments are now discussing steps moving forward.
April 26, 2021
Nearly two weeks after the CDC paused the use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine over concerns of rare blood clot risks, health departments in the St. Louis area are preparing to administer the vaccine once again. Friday, the CDC lifted its recommended pause on the use of the vaccine and many health departments are now discussing steps moving forward. The St. Louis County Health Department plans to start administering Johnson and Johnson starting Tuesday. Due to the convenience of the one-dose vaccine, it will be primarily used on the homeless and homebound populations. However, anyone who doesn’t want the Johnson and Johnson vaccine can decline.
Pfizer will be given to women younger than 50. Health Director Dr. Faisal Khan said the health department is working to notify people about which vaccine will be administered ahead of time.
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“You’ll only get the vaccine that is available for that event and venue but we will try to advertise it up front so people can make an informed decision on their own,” Khan said.
Health Departments in St. Charles, Jefferson, St. Clair and Madison counties are hoping to start administering Johnson and Johnson again by next week. Officials are still working to finalize new paperwork that will be handed out to those receiving Johnson and Johnson, warning them about the extremely rare but serious side effect.
The state also made the Johnson and Johnson vaccine available at the St. Louis Community College event at their Forest Park campus.
