With the recent announcement of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine being authorized for emergency use, health officials say it’s similar to the other vaccines already available. 

Dallas County Health Department Public Information Officer Ann Cochran says the new single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which Dallas County is expected to receive,  operates the same way the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do with few differences. 

“All of the vaccines help your body build up an immunity to the coronavirus and so it’s the same end game. One of the big differences is that the Johnson and Johnson product does not have to be frozen in storage; it can just remain refrigerated and secondly a booster dose is not required.”

Whether people are getting the Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer or Moderna vaccines Cochran says it’s important to know that it doesn’t matter which vaccine you receive. 

“The COVID vaccines are safe, and they are effective, and the vaccine will not give you COVID-19. The vaccine doesn’t contain the virus but it does help your cells make one of the virus proteins that builds the antibodies you need to fight the virus.”

Cochran tells Raccoon Valley Radio that people shouldn’t be hesitant when thinking about COVID-19 vaccinations.