Governor Larry Hogan announced today that Maryland will begin to deploy the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine later this week.
Maryland has been initially allocated 49,600 doses of the J&J vaccine, 100% of which will be sent to providers this week.
“The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe, effective, and made right here in Maryland,” said Governor Hogan. “Our plan is to get this vaccine into the community right away and right into arms so that we can continue increasing our vaccination rate.”
The FDA authorized the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, the third vaccine granted emergency use, on Saturday night. State health officials will direct the allocation of the vaccine to mass vaccination sites, hospitals, local health departments, and community health centers. The vaccine will also be delivered to pharmacies that participate in the federal government’s retail pharmacy partnership.
This is the initial allocation of the J&J vaccine from the federal government. According to a statement from Gov. Hogan’s office, federal officials have stated that future allocations of the J&J vaccine could be uneven, and may be significantly smaller than this week’s allocation.
In preparing for the allocation of J&J vaccines, states have been advised that “persons may receive any recommended COVID-19 vaccine and are encouraged to receive the earliest available COVID-19 vaccine.” Additionally, “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.”
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is expected to provide additional clinical guidance on the administration of the J&J vaccine this week. State health officials will provide further details to providers and the public as needed.
