HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—With the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine back in the arsenal for distribution, Hartford HealthCare is holding its first J&J clinic this weekend and is taking steps to improve accessibility to all COVID vaccines.
The Xfinity Center in Hartford will be the site for Hartford HealthCare's first J&J vaccination clinic this Saturday, Chief Clinical Integration Officer Dr. James Cardon said.
"We're all looking to see what the interest will be and hopefully, we'll continue to see robust updates of that vaccine," Cardon said.
The move comes after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lifted its pause on the J&J vaccine which was put in place following reports of a serious blood clot.
According to Cardon, Hartford HealthCare began distributing the J&J shot to interested patients in the emergency department Tuesday.
The healthcare system has also started to allow people to get a COVID-19 vaccine at certain locations without an appointment.
Tuesday, the Connecticut Convention Center, Foxwoods and Wethersfield sites allowed walk-ups, Cardon said.
"We're going to do a bit of a test to see what the demand is. What we're being careful for is ensuring that we can have the vaccine on hand at the sites when people walk up and trying to get a better estimate of the volume that we're going to expect there," he said.
More walk-ups are expected over time, Cardon said, as Hartford HealthCare works to expand that option.
The CDC's latest guidance about fully-vaccinated people being outdoors without a mask is an exciting and encouraging sign, Hartford HealthCare officials said.
Senior System Director of Infection Prevention Keith Grant said, "I think the exciting piece of it is the fact that we're in the position that we can entertain this conversation and make these decisions."
With that said, Grant continues to encourage residents to be mindful about those that are vulnerable to the virus, such as people with co-morbidities.
When around people that may be vulnerable or when exhibiting any symptoms, Grant said it is best to consider wearing a mask.
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