Pittsburgh doctor talks about the effectiveness of J&J doses against COVID-19

PITTSBURGH — The one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine seemed like the easiest solution to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, recently, Dr. Anthony Fauci told ‘ABC’s This Week,” J&J should have been a two-dose vaccine to begin with.

If you look at any shot that comes out, and says you can get your booster in two months, it’s probably the same as getting a 2-month series,” Dr. Brian Lamb, Internal Medicine physician with Allegheny Health Network told Channel 11.

At the beginning of the pandemic, J&J shots were at first reserved for teachers and select groups of essential employees.

Dr. Lamb added, “Back when it first rolled out, nearly a year ago, it was the best option for people who needed one shot and done. So, it did it’s job to protect teachers from the rest of the school year when they got it.”

An FDA advisory committee recently recommended emergency authorization for the J&J booster shot to adults who already received their first dose.

“I don’t want anyone to think it’s a failure, or they got a lesser shot. As science progressed, we know we need to booster you up again,” Dr. Lamb said.

At AHN medical facilities, Dr. Lamb said they have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases among fully vaccinated people, but not one vaccine more than another.

We have seen it with all the shots. J&J, Pfizer, Moderna.”

He also recommends thinking twice before attending any large event without receiving a booster shot for any of the vaccines.

“You really need to think about how you’re going to socialize,” he said.

Pittsburgh adding 3 traffic circles to slow drivers down