A New Vaccine from Johnson & Johnson to Battle COVID-19 is Headed to the Commonwealth

Here is what you should know: 

• COVID-19 vaccines are available from three different drug manufacturers: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. This means more supplies and tools to help protect people.
• The newest vaccine is made by Johnson & Johnson. The S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found it to be safe and effective, and they authorized it for emergency use on February 27, 2021.

• The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only a single dose:
  • A single-dose vaccine may be desirable for people who want to complete their immunization schedule quickly, do not want to return for a second dose, or have difficulty returning for a second dose.
  • A single dose vaccine is beneficial for walk-in locations, or areas where it is difficult to schedule appointments online.

• It is highly effective at preventing severe diseases, including hospitalization and death.

• It is authorized for use in people aged 18 years or older (like the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine).
  • The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in people aged 16 years or older.

• It is easier to store than other vaccines–it does not require ultra-cold temperatures and can be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius for up to 3 months.

• It involves a different technology (method), but one that has been used for many years to develop successful vaccines.

• The dose delivered is the same as other COVID-19 vaccines.

• The most common side effects among Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 trial participants were injection site pain, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and nausea.
  • Most side effects occurred within 2 days post-vaccination and were mild or moderate.

• Protection from the vaccine begins about 2 weeks after receiving the shot (like other vaccines, it takes time for the body to develop protection).

Note: When PWHD receives the three vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson), we will make appointments based on the vaccines on hand.

Who Should Call the PWHD Call Center and When?

• If you are due or overdue for your second dose of Moderna, you should call the call center as soon as possible to set up your second dose appointment. Please have your waitlist ID number available. 

• If it is three days before you should receive your second dose, but you have not been contacted to schedule your appointment, you should call the call center as soon as possible to schedule your second dose appointment.

• PWHD Call Center:

Open (9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.) seven days a week

          (703) 872-7759 and select option #3 

Vaccine Pre-registration:

• Virginia residents and workers can sign up to get a COVID-19 vaccine through the new Statewide Vaccine Pre-registration System at virginia.gov.

• For those who do not have access to the internet, you can pre-register for the vaccine by calling 1-877-VAX-IN-VA.  The state’s call center is open seven days a week (8 a.m.– 8 p.m.). 

PWHD COVID Vaccination Clinics:  No walk-ins, by appointment only. 

• Manassas Mall, 8300 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109. ThePWHD COVID vaccine clinic is in the main mall corridor. Clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday this week. For entry, the closest door is marked “Manassas Mall” between the Uptown Alley entertainment center and Macy’s, near the intersection of Sudley Road and Rixlew Lane. Once inside the door, turn right and the clinic is the first storefront on the left. Second doses are only being administered.
• Beacon Hall, 10945 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110, on the Manassas Campus of George Mason University. Clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday this week. First doses are only being administered. 

FREE COVID Testing Sites: 

• Monday, March 1, 2021- Metz Middle School, 9950 Wellington Rd. Manassas, VA 20110. Start Time 10:00 a.m. |Testing is only available until the allocated test kits are depleted at the site or until 2:00 p.m., whichever comes first.

• Tuesday, March 2, 2021-James S. Long Regional Park, 4603 James Madison Highway Haymarket, VA 20169. Start Time 11:00 a.m. | Testing is only available until the allocated test kits are depleted at the site or until 2:00 p.m., whichever comes first.

• Tuesday, March 2, 2021-Cloverdale Park, 15150 Cloverdale Road Dale City, VA 22193. Start Time 4:00 p.m. |Testing is only available until the allocated test kits are depleted at the site or until 6:00 p.m., whichever comes first.

• Wednesday, March 3,2021-Grace Church, 1006 Williamstown Dr. Dumfries, VA 22026. Start Time 9:00 a.m. | Testing is only available until the allocated test kits are depleted at the site or until 1:00 p.m., whichever comes first. 

More information: Visit the PWHD website vdh.virgina.gov/prince-william.

FAQs: Visit CDC website cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.