Vaccinations have been a hot topic since the COVID-19 vaccine became available in December 2020. Now, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are suggesting most Americans will benefit from a standard dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-manufacturer version of the vaccine, as opposed to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine became an attractive alternative to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines when the public learned it required only one dose, instead of two like the other manufacturers. However, studies show that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is linked to rare -- but serious -- blood clot disorders, which are not a known side effect of Modern or Pfizer vaccines.
Additionally, the CDC claims Americans should consider the efficacy of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines when choosing their dose. Moderna and Pfizer show marked improvements over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine when it comes to protecting vaccinated individuals from serious illness or death.
Prior to this announcement, the CDC treated all vaccines with an ‘equal choice’ approach, however, their current claims strongly encourage Americans to choose Moderna and Pfizer over Johnson & Johnson when receiving their first vaccine or a booster shot.
According to CDC Advisor Dr. Beth Bell, she “would not recommend the Janssen vaccine to my family members, but some patients may -- and should be able to -- choose that shot.” The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will remain available for individuals who are allergic to Moderna or Pfizer, but the CDC does not recommend it as the first choice for individuals who can receive the safer, more effective Moderna or Pfizer doses.
We invite our residents to ask their caregivers or doctors if they have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, or scheduling a booster appointment. We are happy to help our residents get vaccinated and arrange future doses, promoting good health throughout our community. To learn more about our precautionary approach to COVID-19 at Pacifica Senior Living Communities, please chat with us below.
