Even as the COVID virus is surging in some parts of the U.S., including Minnesota, federal health agencies have called for a pause on the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
This came after six women developed a rare blood clot disorder two weeks after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. One woman died. Another was hospitalized. The women were between the ages of 18 and 48.
What kind of impact will this have on Minnesota?
It will certainly slow down the rollout of COVID vaccines. With one of the vaccines removed, there will be fewer doses available, resulting in fewer vaccination appointments.
The one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine was popular with people who wanted to get fully protected faster: Two weeks versus the four weeks it takes for the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
It was also popular with vaccination sites because it is easier to ship and doesn’t need to be stored at very low temperatures.Over 2 million Minnesotans have received at least one vaccine dose. That adds up to 46 percent of residents 16 and older. Eight-four percent of Minnesotans 65 and older are included in that number.
To reach herd immunity, health officials are aiming to vaccinate 80 percent of the state’s total population.
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