With the first variants of COVID-19 that were spreading last year, the J&J vaccine was seen as highly effective in preventing severe illness, but new data suggests that the mRNA vaccines provide strong protection against what appears to be a stronger and more infectious variant.
"[SFDPH] is currently accommodating special requests from individuals who have received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson; J&J) viral vector COVID-19 vaccine and in many cases have consulted with their doctor and wish to receive a supplemental dose with an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna)," the SFPDH says in a statement.San Francisco appears to be unique so far in offering such supplemental shots, though anecdotally is seems that many people around the country who received the one-shot J&J vaccine have sought out their own supplemental vaccines out of concerns over the Delta variant.In June, Reuters reported that some infectious disease experts who had themselves gotten the J&J vaccine had sought out their own supplemental "boosters," despite there not being published data to support the benefit of these.Top image: A pharmacist volunteer prepares doses of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine during a pop-up clinic at Western International High School on April 12, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan.