Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in San Diego County, county officials announced Monday.

The one-shot vaccine is being distributed the same way as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The vaccine was 72 percent effective in research trials in the U.S., compared to about 94 percent for Moderna and 95 percent for Pfizer. Those two vaccines require two doses.

Still, health officials say the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is just as effective as the other two vaccines at preventing serious illness from COVID-19. It was also tested against virus variants. Additionally, all currently available vaccines were 100 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths during trials.

"San Diegans should get whichever vaccine is available when it's their turn to get vaccinated," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "All three vaccines are excellent at preventing people from getting seriously ill from COVID-19."

Local vaccination sites are currently providing vaccines to people in Phase 1A and Phase 1B. Supplies remain limited.

"Regardless of which shot you get, you'll be protected from serious complications from COVID-19 and will be able to protect others who are waiting their turn to be vaccinated," Wooten said.

More than 1.15 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to the region, and over 1.04 million have been recorded as administered, according to the county. As of Monday, more than 643,000 residents have received at least one shot of the two-dose vaccines.