Orange County Gets Another Supply Injection With Arrival of Latest COVID-19 Vaccine

A dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is prepared in Orange, Calif., in a file image. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Orange County has begun incorporating the Johnson and Johnson vaccine into its inoculation efforts.

Some of the 16,000 doses received March 5 are being distributed at various point of distribution (POD) sites, while others will go to local teachers.

The FDA authorized the Johnson and Johnson vaccine on Feb. 27, making it the third federally approved CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus vaccine in the country.

Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which require two shots a few weeks apart, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine requires one dose.

However, the latter vaccine is also the least effective option. The FDA says the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is about 67 percent effective in preventing moderate to severe or critical COVID-19 at least two weeks after inoculation.

Pfizer is 95 percent effective, and Moderna is 94 percent effective, according to the FDA.

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is 85 percent effective in preventing severe or critical cases at least 28 days after vaccination, according to the FDA.

Pfizer is 95 percent effective and Moderna is 94 percent effective after vaccination, the FDA said.

Supervisor Don Wagner recognized the discrepancy but said the Johnson and Johnson vaccine still had merit.

“The efficacy of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine appears to be lower than the Pfizer and Moderna,” he told The Epoch Times. “But it does seem to be extremely effective against the most severe consequences of the disease.”

Another Johnson and Johnson shipment is expected at the end of the month.

“I would urge anybody, if they have an opportunity to get any of the vaccines, to get it,” Wagner said.