Western Pa. hospital leaders endorse J&J vaccine in letter

Leaders of regional hospitals and health systems have asked people to accept the Johnson & Johnson vaccine if given the opportunity.

The Western Pennsylvania Regional Chief Medical Officer Consortium, made up of 12 hospital leaders in the region, released a letter Thursday endorsing the benefits of the newly-authorized one-dose shot as a way to prevent covid-19.

The letter was signed by top medical officers in the region, including Dr. Donald Whiting from Allegheny Health Network, Dr. Carol Fox from Excela Health System and Dr. Donald Yealy from UPMC.

Some critics of the Johnson & Johsnon vaccine worry about the shot’s rate of preventing symptomatic illness, which is lower than the rates for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. But experts have noted that Johnson & Johnson’s rate, around 70% compared to about 95% for the other two, is still remarkably high. Plus, experts say, all three vaccines are nearly 100% effective at preventing serious illness that leads to hospitalization and death.

“All three of these vaccines provide great protection against severe illness and death caused by covid-19,” the letter reads. “Rather than wonder about the differences between the vaccines, we recommend that you accept whichever of the three vaccines becomes available soonest.”

The doctors encouraged vaccination as “the quickest path back to normal for our communities” but also encouraged those who have been vaccinated to remain cautious in public places and around vulnerable populations — following health and safety guidelines including hand-washing, physical distancing and mask-wearing.

“Together we can truly make a difference in stemming the tide of this pandemic, and we thank you for your cooperation and commitment to that goal,” the letter finishes.

Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday announced that teachers and PreK-12 school staff would move to the front of the line to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as early as next week.