How the Johnson & Johnson Shot Pause Effects Winnebago County

By now you probably know that a nationwide pause has been put on the distribution of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine after several people reported suffering blood clots after receiving the shot. Obviously, this news has caused some worry and even more skepticism about getting vaccinated for COVID-19.

It also comes at a less-than-opportune time as Winnebago County and surrounding areas were just starting to amp up their vaccination rollouts. Several vaccination clinics have been set up across the Stateline, and many of them were administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. So, now what? Is the vaccination process going to slow down again? Here's what Winnebago Public Health Administrator Dr. Sandra Martell recently told WIFR;

Martel says the Johnson & Johnson shot makes up a small percentage of Winnebago County’s supply, and until she gets the go ahead from officials only Moderna and Pfizer doses will be used.

“We now have one of our products in a pause or on hold and so we are all moving through that process of making sure we have enough allocations of the other two products to be able to meet the demand of the need in our communities

To me that sounds like the process won't necessarily slow down, but maybe that is just my wishful thinking?

If you weren't worried about getting the COVID-19 vaccine before, but this news about Johnson & Johnson's vaccine now makes you hesitant, Dr. Martell also told WIFR;

Vaccinations have been identified as safe and effective and we will continue to monitor the situation and take the necessary and appropriate actions should side effects be reported.