MADISON (NBC 26) — Wisconsin health officials expect the first shipment of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to arrive next week.
In a statement, the state Department of Health Services said an initial allocation of about 47,000 doses are expected to arrive in Wisconsin next week.
On Saturday the FDA gave emergency use authorization to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. This is the third vaccine to get the approval, including Pfizer and Moderna.
“The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is going to be a game changer for our statewide response to COVID-19,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “One of the biggest hurdles we have faced is supply, and this will get more vaccine into Wisconsin. This vaccine also protects people and has been shown to prevent serious illness from the virus after just one dose, which makes it more accessible to Wisconsinites and reduces the burden on our vaccine providers.”
There are also some differences about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine that health experts said will make it easier to distribute to patients. Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two vaccinations, Johnson & Johnson requires just one shot. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine can also be stored in a regular refrigerator, instead of extreme temperatures.
DHS says the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can be kept in a refrigerator for up to three months, which allows the vaccine to be shipped directly to all areas of the state. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is also similar to the other COVID vaccines in that it's highly effective at preventing infection, DHS says.
Similar to a call from Dr. Anthony Fauci, DHS is asking the public to take whichever vaccine you are offered when it is your turn.
DHS also says people can expect similar post-vaccination symptoms with all the COVID-19 vaccines, such as feeling tired, having a sore arm, swelling on the arm where you got the vaccine and a fever. These are all indications that the vaccine is working, DHS says.