Third COVID Vaccine Approved: Does it Matter Which One You Get?

Johnson & Johnson has received emergency use authorization (EUA approval) from the FDA for their COVID vaccine. This is exciting news, as it means a third COVID vaccine will soon be on the market and in the hands of providers offering appointments. This has many people asking…does it matter which vaccine I get? The short answer is no. Here’s why…

All three vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies 

While the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are all a bit different, they have one critical thing in common. All three COVID vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies that will fight the virus. I advise patients to get a vaccine. Any vaccine. This is also the advice being offered by the CDC and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Each vaccine has been studied and has been deemed to be safe and effective in lowering the risk of contracting COVID-19. There is no reason to wait for a certain vaccine. 

What is the main difference between the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a single dose, whereas Moderna and Pfizer require two-doses. The second dose of Moderna is administered 28 days (or up to 42 days) after the first vaccine. With Pfizer, the vaccines are administered at least 21 days apart. 

Which vaccine will you have at Innovative Express Care?

Thus far, Innovative Express Care has administered more than 9,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine and around 1,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. We request vaccines from the City of Chicago and Dupage County (for our Downers Grove clinic) weekly, and we will administer whatever vaccine we are able to obtain. We have refrigerator and freezer storage available to safely store any of the vaccines. 

I recently spoke with ABC 7 about Johnson & Johnson coming to market. You can watch that clip here. 

To book a COVID19 test or vaccine appointment, visit us online.