Hi there,
We are highly encouraged by availability of a third vaccine from Johnson & Johnson that increased our vaccine supply this week by 7,400 doses. We are working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to determine the guidance on how to begin administering this vaccine.
In addition, 20,780 doses of Pfizer and Moderna were also received.
It is important to note as we add another vaccine, that all are safe and effective. However, because of differences in vaccine trials, when those trials were conducted and how each is made, making comparisons between brands is a bit like comparing apples and oranges.
Our recommendation is to not wait. If a vaccine becomes available to you – no matter if it’s Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson – get it! A COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to help us get back to normal and all are effective at keeping you from getting sick.
The state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard reports 325,683 doses have been given to Oakland County residents including 69,157 doses administered by Oakland County Health Division.
Please take a few minutes and watch our weekly Vaccine Update video for more information about how Oakland County is progressing with our vaccination efforts.
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director of Health and Human Services
Third COVID-19 vaccine approved
On February 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a third COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson to be distributed in the U.S to individuals 18 years of age and older.
Here is what we know about the new vaccine:
- It is a 1-dose vaccine.
- Data shows strong effectiveness against COVID-19 especially serious disease or hospitalization.
- Developers followed the same thorough research processes required for all available vaccines.
Like other available COVID-19 vaccines, currently full data are not available to determine how long COVID-19 vaccines provide protection, or if the vaccine prevents spread of COVID-19 from person to person. This is why continuing prevention measures are important.
For more information about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, visit FDA's website.
Vaccines available from the Health Division
The Heath Division now provides Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The vaccine type available to you depends on the supply allocated to the Health Division each week. When you receive your vaccine, you will be informed of the type and provided more information.
Please keep in mind we are unable to place individuals on a separate waiting list for a preferred vaccine type. Based on vaccine availability, we sometimes make last minute changes to the vaccine supplies available at a site for first dose appointments.
Town Hall helps answer resident questions
Last week, Oakland County held a Senior Town Hall which featured Oakland County Executive David Coulter and Leigh-Anne Stafford, director of Oakland County Health & Human Services, who spoke with older adults about our COVID-19 response and vaccination efforts. We also answered questions from the seniors on the call. These town halls are held via telephone and are recorded. The recordings are on our Media webpage at oakgov.com/COVID if you are interested in listening.
OaklandCountyVaccine.com is the best place to receive the latest information.
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