Over 1,200 Boston.com readers weighed in on whether they have a COVID-19 vaccine preference. Here’s what they said.
"Don't overthink it!"
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Thousands of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to arrive in Massachusetts next week, making a total of three different vaccines available to the public as the state continues its phased distribution.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is notably different than those already available that were developed by Moderna and Pfizer. Unlike its predecessors the Johnson & Johnson is a single-dose vaccine — instead of two doses — and does not require frigid temperatures for storage.
Data from clinical trials shows the latest vaccine is 66 percent effective at preventing moderate to severe cases of the disease — notably lower than the approximately 95 percent recorded for both of its counterparts.
Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, told NPR recently though that the numbers should not dissuade people from getting that particular shot.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was tested in several locations outside the United States, including in South Africa, where virus variants first appeared.
“So that 66 percent number really represents an amalgamation of a variety of different clinical trials. Moderna and Pfizer were not tested in those circumstances,” Jha told NPR’s “All Things Considered” last week. “And even if you just look at the U.S. data, the Johnson & Johnson number then starts getting much closer to the Moderna and Pfizer numbers.”
All of the vaccines that have reported results are nearly 100 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths, he added.
But has the public already made up its mind when it comes to any vaccine preferences?
We asked Boston.com readers whether they will or have already considered what specific vaccine they want to receive — and nearly 1,300 responded to our poll.
Over 60 percent of respondents, or 764 people, indicated they’ll take whatever vaccine is available for them when they are eligible to receive it, while another 32.2 percent — or 406 respondents — expressed wanting to compare data between each and make an informed decision.
An additional 53 respondents said they will not receive the vaccine, while 35 more submitted other responses.
“I’m very concerned about new virus strains emerging before we get enough of the general population vaccinated,” Billy, of Waltham, wrote. “Because of this, I am happy to take whatever vaccine is available to me first, as long as it is fully vetted by the FDA. All three of the current vaccines have been thoroughly tested, so I will take whatever is offered to me.”
Frank, of Franklin, offered: “We treat everything like it’s a Consumer Reports article. Three (3) vaccines… 3 excellent options… don’t overthink it!”
However, others remained skeptical of the efficacy of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and some expressed concerns over what vaccine could potentially induce an allergic reaction.
Data suggests the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines could trigger anaphylactic reactions in a small number of recipients, STAT reported in January. (The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told the outlet though that the reaction is rare and usually occurs within minutes after a vaccine is administered. The condition is “readily diagnosed and effective treatments are available,” the agency said.)
“I prefer the J&J vaccine as I have been in anaphylactic shock and there are NO cases with the J&J vaccine,” Pamela, of Wellesley, wrote to Boston.com. “Plus it appears to be as effective, if not slightly more effective, against the new variants which will become the dominant strains shortly.”
Here’s what some other readers had to say:
Responses are edited for length and clarity.
Give me whatever is available.
“I would prefer the Moderna or Pfizer because the efficacy is higher based on what I have read so far. However as a healthy, 45-year-old male I’d rather be vaccinated sooner than later, so if the J&J is offered to me first, I’m taking that.”
“I am a low risk individual, so I am happy to have anything that will decrease my risk of illness and especially spreading it to my loved ones. I’d rather my at-risk grandmother get a 95% effective vaccine and I’ll happily take a 66% effective one! Especially because I know that that percentage is typical of other vaccines. We need to put it in perspective!” — Krista, Berlin
“I would prefer the Moderna vaccine, but would take any. My greatest concern is getting vaccinated at all during this cruel joke of a rollout.” — Bill Novakowski, Ashland
“Ramp up the manufacturing already, give me any of the vaccines ASAP. I’d take any of them the minute they are available.” — Phil, Boston
“For me, what is most important is protection against getting seriously ill to end up in hospital and possible death. All the approved vaccines work with that goal in mind. I personally like J&J even more because it is one-shot and I will be done. “ — Jay, Milford
“I do not have a preference, I will take whichever is available to me first.” — Marie, Hull
“I am concerned about which of the vaccines appears to have better resistance to the various strains of the virus. Although as to other preference…which one is available.” — Hal Curette, Yarmouth
“I just want the chance to book an appointment for ANY of the vaccinations. I know the fact that I live in Western Mass greatly affects the number of dosages that are available to my neighbors and me. I am over 65, my husband is over 65 and has several underlying health issues. This sign up system is BULLS**T.” — Connie, West Springfield
“I would take whatever I can get, but the ‘experts’ comments don’t really convince me that the J&J vaccine is equal to the other two. Taking a vaccine with less effectiveness is not going to reduce fear of going to the supermarket or other contact situations. It suggests that you can still get sick but that hospitalizations and ICU will hopefully be less likely.”
“I’ll take whatever vaccine I can get as soon as I can get it — any of them is better than nothing. As it is, being 63 with no comorbidity, I will probably have to wait at least until the end of the fall of this year to get it.” — Patty, Lincoln
“I have received 1st dose of Pfizer at a vaccine clinic. That was my preferred, but all 3 are good. If you are offered one, take it.” — Marie, Melrose
I would prefer a certain vaccine.
“I’d prefer to get the Pfizer series of vaccine. I am happy to wait my turn but would like the choice when the time comes. I feel it has the most established history and it’s also what my senior citizen parents got with no negative impacts, in another state.” — Tasha, Pepperell MA
“I got the first Moderna shot already, I was lucky enough to get to choose which mass site to visit and I picked one with Moderna because my doctor’s office also got that one so I figured they would be familiar with any after effects, etc. if that became relevant. I will also say I’m happy I chose Moderna since I saw they are already testing a new version for the South African variant.”
“I am highly allergic to many drugs, chemicals, foods. I prefer the J&J at this point, assuming that it does not also have problems with anaphylaxis as it starts to be widely used.”
“I would prefer Moderna or Pfizer based solely on their efficacy levels being higher.” — Colton, Boston
“I’d prefer to get the J&J vaccine because I am disabled and arranging for transportation will be more challenging if I have to find people to transport me on two separate occasions.” — Craig, Northampton
“I don’t like the idea that I do not have a choice in what vaccine I get. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was shown to be 66 percent protective against symptomatic illness due to COVID-19, compared to the around 95 percent efficacy rates of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. I would rather not have the greater chance of the symptomatic illness that I would have with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. I want either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine.” — Christina, Medford
“I strongly feel I should have a say in my vaccine specifically since the new vaccine does not have the same efficacy as others. I have very strong feelings about this based on a previous health decision. Four years ago, I received chemo treatment to increase statistics to prevent cancer recurrence or later metastasis, why should I not obtain a choice on a COVID vaccine to also have a larger statistic? After a year of following CDC guidelines to protect myself and others, I do want to know what vaccine is being disseminated when it is my turn in collaboration with my medical care. It infuriates me that the message is just get it whatever you can, when getting it is so difficult and everyone has different issues.” — Boston resident
“Why would I get one that’s only 66 percent effective when I can get one that’s 95 percent effective? I’ll pass on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, thanks.” — Paula, Burlington
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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