Tuesday, Apr. 13, the College of William and Mary updated the community on the vaccination process for students. Of the approximately 3,900 students who have provided updates of their vaccination status to the College via Banner, 75% had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Beginning Sunday, Apr. 18, Virginia moved into phase 2 of vaccination, meaning all those 16 and older are now eligible to receive the vaccine. In Williamsburg, vaccine appointments are becoming more widely available. Recently, extra doses have been reported at area hospitals and clinics due to appointment no-shows and extra supply. The Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center offered vaccines to anyone over age 18 Apr. 14.
Upon several reports of dangerous side-effects associated with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination, national administration of the medical shot was put on hold. These reports included six cases of potentially fatal blood clots out of 6.8 million Johnson & Johnson doses administered. All vaccine distribution centers within Williamsburg are now only using Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations.
With the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines requiring two doses, some students are facing timing difficulties, since they may not be able to receive their second shot before returning home. Chief Operating Officer Amy Sebring assured students that they can present their vaccine card to other local health districts to receive the second dose. The second dose of either vaccine can be administered up to six weeks beyond the first dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Might be nice to know how many W&M students received the J&J vaccine before the pause, since you mention that vaccine in the article — I know my daughter (’22) was one.