RI's Upcoming Weekly Shipment Of J&J Vaccine 'Not Affected'

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island is still expected to receive 16,000 doses of the single-dose COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson next week, despite reported manufacturing issues. It's unclear if there will be in disruptions in the following weeks, the state's top health official said.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said Thursday that the upcoming weekly shipment "will not be affected," despite J&J announcing late Wednesday that one batch "did not meet quality standards."

News reports estimated that about 15 million doses were discarded.

Following the large shipment next week, Rhode Island is expected to get about 6,000 doses the week after, Alexander-Scott said. Although considerably lower, this number was from before the incident was reported, the doctor clarified, adding that she hopes it will be updated next week to a higher amount.

Patch editor Mike Carraggi contributed to this report.