Public health departments in Northeast Georgia are reworking their plans for off-site vaccination events after a federal panel this week paused using the Johnson and Johnson vaccine over safety concerns.
The J&J vaccine was the preferred choice for off-site administration in places such as schools and offices because it’s a single-dose vaccine and easier to store than the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. In March, Habersham County’s Public Health Department administered the J & J vaccine to teachers and staff during local school clinics.
“We were planning to administer the J & J vaccine at upcoming off-site events. We will now use the Moderna vaccine,” says Habersham County Public Health Nurse Manager Brooke Smith. “At this time, we have ample supply and continue to plan off-site events.”
Smith, who also serves as District 2 Public Health Deputy Nursing Director, says there have been no serious adverse reactions to any of the vaccines her staff has administered. As of April 15, the Habersham health department had administered 7,700 vaccinations.
Even before the federal government halted the use of the J & J vaccine after rare but serious blood clots were reported in at least six women — one of whom died — Georgia halted its use at a vaccination site in Cumming. There, eight people fainted, according to District 2 Public Health spokesperson Dave Palmer.
“These syncopal [fainting] episodes can happen when people receive injections of any type and may have been exacerbated by warm conditions at the facility,” explains Palmer. At the time, the CDC was also investigating adverse patient reactions in Iowa, Colorado, and Michigan.
Symptoms to watch for
District 2 oversees thirteen county health departments in Northeast Georgia. Those departments have administered over 189,000 vaccinations, and Palmer says none have reported any serious side effects.
“We have had some complaints of minor symptoms, arm soreness, slight fever, not feeling well, after vaccination but no serious adverse reactions. Most say the symptoms pass within 24 hours,” he says.
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called on health officials to stop administering the J & J vaccine on April 13. The Georgia Department of Public Health advises those who received the vaccine to monitor themselves for any possible adverse reactions.
In a press release, DPH states: “For individuals who received the J & J vaccine, and who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care providers.”
Although the J & J vaccine is more convenient, halting its use currently is not impeding regional vaccination efforts. Supplies of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are “steady,” officials say. Perhaps a bigger challenge to overcome is convincing people to get vaccinated, especially in light of the J & J developments.
“The vaccines are safe. Millions of people have received the vaccine, and there have been very few reactions reported,” says Palmer. “People can have diverse reactions to various kinds of medicine. We encourage everyone getting the vaccine to read about the vaccines and discuss any concerns with their health care provider.”
Weekend clinics
Health departments in counties across Northeast Georgia will hold vaccine clinics this Saturday, April 17, including in Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Stephens, Union, and White.
The vaccines are free and available to anyone 18 years or older. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
“We would like to see more people get vaccinated,” urges Smith.
In addition to these weekend clinics, business owners who would like to schedule COVID vaccine clinics for interested employees may contact their local health department. In Habersham, the number to call is 706-778-7156 extension 104.
