Some people might be wary about getting the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after the state of North Carolina pulled it out of circulation, put it back in, pulled it back out again, and then put it back into the vaccination lineup again. 

However, those who do want it – usually because it’s the only approved one-shot vaccine – now have that choice again at Greensboro’s “Mass Vax” site at Four Seasons Town Center.

On Thursday, April 29, the federally-supported vaccination center at Four Seasons began offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in addition to the two-dose Pfizer vaccine that was already being offered at the site.

Local, state and federal health officials currently are all saying the J&J vaccine is a perfectly good one. However, early detractors of the vaccine noted that it had a lower efficacy rate than the alternatives.  Then, in April, the vaccine’s use was temporarily halted as health officials studied blood clotting issues that occurred in a limited number of recipients.

On April 29, NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen stated that all the vaccines in use in the state were fine.

“These tested, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will help us get back in control of our lives and back to the people and places we love.”

Cohen also said,  “[The] Johnson & Johnson vaccine has the added benefit of a one-shot dose to be fully vaccinated.  It’s easier than ever for people to take their shot against COVID-19.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week also affirmed their contention that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is “safe and effective” – and both endorsed its use.

 As of April 29,  about a quarter-million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered in North Carolina.

The vaccination Center at Four Seasons in Greensboro is now offering both the Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer vaccines on a walk-in and drive-up basis.

Unlike earlier in the year, no appointment is needed.

Those who prefer to make an appointment for the Greensboro center can schedule one online at GSOmassvax.org.  When making the appointment, people can select either the Johnson & Johnson or the Pfizer vaccine.

Appointments can also be made by calling 888-675-4567.

However, again, no appointment is needed due to a combination of greater vaccine supply and a solid amount of vaccine hesitancy in the community.

The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine is for anyone age 18 and older, while the Pfizer vaccine can be provided to people 16 and older.

Both vaccines are free to everyone and, just as with voting, no ID is needed.

The vaccination center at the Four Seasons Town Centre is open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Vaccines are not given out from 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

The center plans to operate through Thursday, May 27.

 

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