VDH Pauses the use of Johnson and Johnson Vaccine: Metz Middle School Vaccine Clinic Now using Pfizer Vaccine

April 13, 2021

Media Contact: Public Information Officer Kathy Stewart, kathy.stewart@vdh.virginia.gov

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Pauses the use of Johnson and Johnson Vaccine
Metz Middle School Vaccine Clinic Now using Pfizer Vaccine

The vaccine clinics taking place today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday) at Metz Middle School in Manassas City will now be using Pfizer vaccine.

The two-day clinic (held by Walgreens and Manassas City) switched from Johnson and Johnson vaccine for the Pfizer vaccine.

  • Pfizer vaccine being used at Metz Middle School Clinic
  • Please know, all appointments are still the same
  • Participants are asked to be patient as the nurses and staff make this switch
    *In the Prince William Health District Manassas Mall vaccination clinic, the COVID-19 vaccine is the Moderna vaccine.

REASON FOR THE SWITCH
Today, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a pause in the use of Johnson and Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution while it investigates an extremely rare possible side effect.

Dr. Danny Avula, VDH Vaccine Coordinator, states that in Virginia all Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been halted until that investigation is complete.

Dr. Avula states that, “This pause is reassuring in that it demonstrates the systems that are in place to monitor vaccine safety are working. We look forward to a thorough review by federal health officials.” The state will continue Virginia’s vaccine rollout at this time with the other two authorized vaccines, developed by Pfizer and Moderna.

To reschedule an appointment call the Virginia call center 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682)

###