NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The Johnson & Johnson shortfall is expected to slowdown vaccination efforts.
A record 4.6 million vaccine doses were administered in the U.S. in one day on Saturday, but this week's supply will be significantly lower because of a mix-up at a Baltimore plant that ruined 15 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
New York expects an 88% decline due to the botched batch and that could slow down efforts at the Javits Center.
Those who managed to score an appointment at the vaccination site say patience is key when booking a slot for the shot.
Rob Morales said it took him a couple of weeks to get an appointment at the Javits Center.
"Just stay on and keep refreshing it, eventually you get through," Morales advises others who are trying to book an appointment.
Steven Richards said don't give up hope.
"When you call and they tell you to call back, you can call back as often as you want until you get somebody. With me I waited like a day and then I called and I got the vaccine," he said.
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New Jersey expects a 96% drop in Johnson & Johnson doses, but will still lower the eligibility age to 16 next week.
Connecticut anticipates a 90% reduction so any Johnson & Johnson doses will go to its mobile clinics.
College students in Connecticut will get Pfizer or Moderna vaccines with the first dose being administered on campus and the second at home.
Despite the shortage, Connecticut Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballe said there is no cause for concern.
"We still have an awful lot of vaccine coming into the state, we always anticipated the Johnson & Johnson deliveries to step down this week and beyond, but it stepped down significantly more. We still have a lot of vaccine of Modern and Pfizer coming in we'll be able to stay very busy and largely stay on track with prior estimates," Geballe said.
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