This week is turning hopeful in Michigan's pandemic efforts. COVID cases are dropping. The CDC also issued a statement, staying vaccinated individuals don't need to wear masks outside anymore. According to michigan.gov, nearly half of the state had their first dose of the vaccine. Almost 36% of the state is fully vaccinated.
Last week, the FDA voted 10 to 4 to resume using the Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Vaccine efforts were paused when over a dozen young women reported rare blood clots. Now, each dose will come with a warning label for young women under fifty to watch for rare blood clots. There are no recorded cases of men developing blood clots from the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
Having Johnson and Johnson unpaused can make a significant impact in Michigan
Unlike Pfizer and Moderna, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine involves only one dose. It doesn't need to be stored in as cold of conditions as Pfizer and Moderna, so health departments like to use it for tribal lands, rural areas, jails, and for any homebound individuals.
Many people who don't want to come in for a second dose would pick Johnson and Johnson over the other two. It's an excellent choice for people who aren't a fan of needles. Some people couldn't return to a vaccine center for a second vaccine, so Johnson and Johnson helped those in need.
New warnings for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine
Blood clots from the J&J vaccine are rare. Of the eight million doses nationwide, there were only fifteen cases of rare blood clots. Three women died, and seven are hospitalized. Experts agreed the benefits of the vaccine greatly outweighed the costs. Even with rare cases, the J&J vaccine will now have warning levels to help patients understand the risks.
If you're worried about blood clots or have a family history, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine would be a better fit for you. Pfizer and Moderna haven't had any instances of blood clots or significant adverse effects.
The CDC recommends you register for its V-safe program. This program gives you daily surveys to ask you how you're feeling. And depending on your answers, someone from the CDC will call you to make sure you're feeling okay.
Final Thought
We're getting closer to reaching the 70% goal in Michigan. The return of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine will speed the state to its goal. However, a CNBC report mentioned the J&J pause could be delayed for two weeks nationwide.
We're slowly getting closer to the finish line. We're eager to see life get back to normal. We're tired of wearing masks every day too. As long as we keep masking up and lining up for the vaccine lines, we can see the end of this pandemic soon.
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