Health & Fitness
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Approved, Arrives In Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Health is working to get the initial 9,000 doses to distribution sites in the state.
PROVIDENCE, RI — A new coronavirus vaccine has arrived in Rhode Island. After receiving the green light from both the federal Food and Drug Administration and the state's COVID-19 subcommittee, the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine is increasing the state's vaccine dose supply.
Rhode Island received an initial shipment of 9,000 vaccine doses, said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Department of Health. These doses will be distributed to clinics, state-run and community sites, she said.
Because this vaccine only requires one dose, unlike the Pfizer and Moderna ones, the department plans to use it for certain populations that would benefit from it, such as the homebound. The department is still developing its plan for this group, with distribution expected to start later this month.
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Alexander-Scott, along with Gov. Dan McKee, reassured Rhode Islanders that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe and effective, dispelling rumors that it was inferior to the previous, two-dose vaccines. Not only was it proven to decrease the chance of severe illness or death, it has been shown to offer protection against more contagious variants. of the virus, such as those found in the United Kingdom or South Africa.
"The Johnson & Johnson vaccine saves lives and keeps people out of the hospital," Gov. Dan McKee said, urging Rhode Islanders to sign up for an appointment of whatever brand of vaccine is available as soon as they are able.
Find out what's happening in Cranstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
McKee expressed concerns about vaccine hesitancy in the state, saying that he expects to see a day when there are move vaccine doses available in Rhode Island than there are people willing to sign up for an appointment. To proactively combat this, McKee signed an executive order this week calling for community leaders to get involved and encourage Rhode Islanders to get vaccinated.
In order to even consider fully lifting the state's coronavirus restrictions, 70 to 75 percent of residents will need to be vaccinated, McKee said.
Coronavirus in Rhode Island: Latest updates
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