March 29, 2024

COVID vaccinations continue in Union County

By John Van Nostrand, CNA Managing Editor

Despite a pause for further review of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, which has since resumed, vaccinations continue in Union County.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this week, both recommend use of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine resume in the United States, after a temporary suspension earlier this month.

Greater Regional Health Center spokesperson Kayla Hoffman said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been popular.

“It’s good for college students and the younger generations since it’s only one shot,” she said. “Get in, get vaccinated, get out.”

Brands of other vaccinations are a two-shot process held weeks apart.

The CDC temporarily suspended Johnson & Johnson after reports of adverse events following the use of the vaccine suggest an increased risk of a rare adverse event called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome. Nearly all reports of this serious condition, which involves blood clots with low platelets, have been in adult women younger than 50.

Vaccine side effects include, on the arm where the shot was injected, pain, redness and swelling. Throughout the rest of the body are fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea.

A review of all available data showed the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks.

The CDC stated women younger than 50 years old should be aware of the rare side effects and that there are other COVID-19 vaccine options available for which this risk has not been seen.

To schedule a vaccination, those are asked to call Greater Regional Health Center at 782-7091. Hoffman said the vaccination clinics are held Wednesdays and Thursdays. Clinics are held at the Union County Emergency Management building, 705 E. Taylor St.

Earlier this week, Iowa reached the 1 million mark for number of people vaccinated. As of Thursday, about 4,700 Union County residents have been vaccinated.