The CDC on Friday advised Americans to choose the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over the Johnson & Johnson-Janssen vaccine if a choice is available. Similar to Canada and the United Kingdom, the CDC is warning that adverse effects, such as blood clotting, while extremely rare, are a much higher risk than previously reported. Moderna and Pfizer's mRNA vaccines are more effective and do not have a blood clotting concern.
According to the CDC's reports, there are over 100 million doses of mRNA vaccines available in the United States.
"Individuals who are unable or unwilling to receive an mRNA vaccine will continue to access Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine," the CDC's news report states.
The recommendation clarifies that people should choose any vaccine, including J&J, over remaining unvaccinated.
"We have made important strides in the year since the COVID-19 vaccination program started," said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director. "More than 200 million Americans have completed their primary vaccine series, providing protection against COVID-19, preventing millions of cases and hospitalizations, and saving over a million lives. Today's updated recommendation emphasizes CDC's commitment to providing real-time scientific information to the American public. I continue to encourage all Americans to get vaccinated and boosted."
All COVID-19 vaccines in the United States are free to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The vaccines are readily available in any pharmacy, vaccine clinic and, nearly every town and city in the country.