NEWS

Mecklenburg County, NC – A one-shot COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson has been authorized and approved for use by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Mecklenburg County is expected to receive 10,000 doses later this week.

Like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will help prevent COVID-19 and is extremely effective in preventing hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 with no serious safety concerns. Having a third safe and effective vaccine will help vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible and help to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations in our community and across the State.

Mecklenburg County Public Health, Atrium Health, Novant Health, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management are continuing to work to prioritize vaccine for those eligible. Getting as many people as possible vaccinated quickly will also help stop the spread of COVID-19 variants—and get us back in control of our lives and back to the people, places and activities we love.

While increased vaccine in our community is exciting, individuals should continue to:

1. Practice the 3 Ws – wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, wash your hands.
2. Limit gatherings with people outside your household until most people are vaccinated.
3. Quarantine and get tested if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.
4. Get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.

About the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

On Feb. 27 the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine in individuals 18 years of age and older.

• Vaccine Safety – The J&J COVID-19 vaccine was tested in large clinical trials to make sure it meet safety standards. Many people were recruited to participate in these trials to see how the vaccines offers protection to people of different ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as those with different medical conditions. The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain a live virus and cannot give individuals the coronavirus.
• Who Should Get the Vaccine – The J&J COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in individuals 18 and older. The FDA and CDC are advising that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, individuals who have experienced allergic reactions to other vaccines and those who have compromised immune systems should discuss the benefits and risks of taking the vaccine with their medical provider before receiving it.
• Vaccine Side Effects – The J&J COVID-19 vaccine does not contain a live virus and cannot give individuals the coronavirus. The potential side effects from the vaccine are similar to those experienced by people who receive the flu shot: soreness at the injection site, fever, headaches, and body aches that usually go away within 24 hours. Unless symptoms worsen or linger, there is no need to seek medical care. The FDA and CDC will continue to monitor the COVID-19 vaccine for safety and effectiveness and any long-term or rare side effects.
• Vaccine Dosage – The J&J vaccine requires only one shot. (Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses spaced three or four weeks a part to be effective.)
• Vaccine Cost – The J&J COVID-19 vaccine will be available to everyone who is eligible at no cost to the person receiving the vaccine, no matter whether you have health insurance.

More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at www.MeckNC.gov/COVID-19 or by calling the Public Health COVID-19 hotline at 980-314-9400.

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