HARTFORD, Conn. — Efforts to get shots into the arms of all Connecticut residents will soon get a boost.
Gov. Ned Lamont announced Thursday the state will receive 30,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine next week.
The governor also noted that Connecticut was already anticipating 100,000 doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines next week.
All in all, if authorized by FDA, the state could see a total of 130,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine next week.
During a Thursday morning press conference to discuss COVID-19 vaccinations for educators, Lamont provided a brief update regarding the virus statistics.
He reported Connecticut positivity rate was currently at 2.1%.
"Hospitalizations are down a bit," he also noted.
FDA scientists confirmed Wednesday that the J&J vaccine is about 66% effective at preventing moderate to severe COVID-19, and about 85% effective against the most serious illness. The agency also said J&J's shot — one that could help speed vaccinations by requiring just one dose instead of two — is safe to use.
That’s just one step in the FDA’s evaluation of a third vaccine option for the U.S. On Friday, the agency’s independent advisers will debate if the evidence is strong enough to recommend the long-anticipated shot. Armed with that advice, FDA is expected to make a final decision within days.
