DELAWARE - 8,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Janssen COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Delaware on Tuesday morning, and the state is beginning J&J vaccinations this weekend at two appointment-only events.
There will be an event at Seaford High School on Saturday, March 6th, and Delaware City DMV on Sunday, March 7th.
Division of Public Health says a total of 5,000 vaccinations will be offered at the events on March 6th and 7th, by appointment only.
Dr. Karyl Rattay said, Director of DPH, “We will be sending an email and invitation opportunity to individuals in those areas from the waitlist. So for those who are on the waitlist, keep an eye on her email and look for these invitations.”
Dr. Rattay said we may not get any more doses of J&J vaccines this month. While this single shot aims to ramp up vaccinations, she said it might be weeks until we get any more of this type of vaccine.
Leaders say all three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) have exceeded their expectations.
“If anybody is hesitant about the single dose vaccine I'll jump to the front of the line, and setting an example that this is a good and effective vaccine,” said Governor John Carney.
The state says there is no specific vaccine for a specific population.
“My recommendation as a doctor is for eligible individuals to get vaccinated with the first vaccine that is available to you,” said Dr. Rattay.
Secretary of the Delaware Department of Education, Dr. Susan Bunting said, “1/3 of the people that are employed by our school districts will have received at least their first doses by the end of the week, we're talking about 5500 people approximately.”
Secretary Bunting says 2,200 child care providers will have received their first dose by the end of the week.
In the meantime, the state is looking at how the J&J vaccine will be received by the public.
“If you think about the J&J and if we ever get a big supply, that really is an opportunity to do a big clinic because it will be one and done, and you won't have to worry about coming back in 21 days or 28 days,” said Governor Carney.
The governor says Delaware will get more Pfizer and Moderna vaccines between now and the end of this month. There is still no word on when the state will move to Phase 1C.
