Johnson and Johnson vaccine not administered in Ringgold County
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Ringgold County Public Health (RCPH) has released a statement regarding the suspended usage of the Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine in light of recent reports of side effects.
As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen ) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine.
According to RCPH director Becky Fletchall, Ringgold County Public Health and Ringgold County Hospital have provided only Moderna vaccine; Pfizer vaccine was provided through the federal pharmaceutical program to local nursing home residents and staff.
Fletchall reported as of Tuesday morning, 27.7% of Ringgold County residents are fully vaccinated with two doses of Moderna vaccine. By the end of this week with scheduled clinics, we expect the percentage to increase to 30% of residents fully vaccinated.
As of April 12, 69% of Ringgold County residents age 65 and older were fully vaccinated and 35% of those 18 and over were fully vaccinated.
“The benefit of the available vaccine continues to outweigh the mild to moderate, short-lived symptoms that some experience,” said Fletchall. “Getting the shot means protecting yourself against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Immune system related side effects reported by your neighbors getting vaccinated include fatigue, body aches, and low grade fever. These symptoms resolve within the day or two following vaccination. We’ve noticed those who experienced COVID-19 illness have experienced side effects more often after the first dose of vaccine and those who did not after the second dose. Some persons have had little to no side effects. I would encourage anyone who is on the fence about vaccination to visit with your medical care professional to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Thanks to those who have chosen vaccination to protect themselves as well as others!”
The county’s number of deaths from COVID-19 as both an underlying cause and contributing factor remains at 22 per Iowa Department of Public Health.
