Healthcare providers in Mississippi are being given the green light to offer patients the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine. The single-dose vaccination was paused earlier this month over concerns for blood clots in several women. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs talked about the update during a virtual town hall hosted by Jackson State University. He says doctors will need to disclose this extremely rare symptom when discussing coronavirus vaccine options with patients.
“It’s about 7 in 1,000,000 if you’re a young woman under 50. And if you don’t want to take Johnson and Johnson, hey that’s fine. We’ve got plenty of Pfizer, plenty of Moderna," says Dr. Dobbs. "We want to protect you, we want to protect your family, and the best way for us to do that is to get as many people as possible to get protected to get immunized and stop the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Dr. Dobbs is also encouraging fully vaccinated Mississippians to get active outdoors. New guidance from the CDC says those who are fully vaccinated can gather in public and non-crowded outdoor areas without a mask. Clayton Whitehead, with the CDC, says examples of crowded spaces where masks are still needed include sporting events, live concerts or parades.
“Also, activities that were deemed less safe, now if you’re vaccinated are considered safe if you wear your mask. So let's say if you wanted to attend an indoor movie theatre, or go to your preferred worship service, those are now considered safe if you’re wearing your mask and you’re vaccinated," says Whitehead.
Health officials still urge caution when going to these public places, and residents who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to get the shot.
