Johnson and Johnson Vaccine Could Help North Central Washington in Many Ways

The Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is expected to get approved by the federal government for emergency use.

Chelan-Douglas Health District Administrator Luke Davies says one of the benefits is that it doesn't require freezers.

"When it comes, it's going to reduce the logistics we have due to cold chain and due to being able to get out and get it to the community. It's a very effective tool. It's a new tool in our tool kit. It's safe, it's a proven technology and it is something that we are going to be able to utilize to get to some areas that are a little bit more rural."

He also noted that it does maintain its effectiveness against the new variants of coronavirus.

Davies says it's important to have as many options to fight a pandemic as possible.

"An individual whose very young, very healthy, who doesn't have co-morbidities or co-risks; the Johnson and Johnson works great. You only have to go in and get one shot and you're protected for the next 10-12 months."

He says it's likely everyone will need to get a COVID booster about one year after they're initially vaccinated.