By Jacob Nakamura
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is celebrating the approval of a third coronavirus vaccine, saying an increased supply of vaccines can only help the island’s goal of herd immunity.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave emergency use authority for Johnson & Johnson to sell its vaccine on the market. The vaccine now joins those by Pfizer and Moderna, which have been available on Guam.
“Our island is leading the nation in vaccination efforts, and the addition of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine ensures we reach our goal of achieving herd immunity as early as the summer months. Its single dosage will allow us to administer vaccines faster and to more people, which translates to more protection for our community,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “We will continue to work closely with our federal partners to secure additional allotments to Guam, as we have successfully done in previous months.”
“We welcome as many options that we can avail of to expeditiously reach our goal of protecting as many people as possible, especially individuals most at risk,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio.
Nationwide events temporarily stalled the supply of the vaccines to Guam. The entire supply Guam already received from Pfizer and Moderna has been exhausted. GovGuam placed orders for more than 37,000 vials Saturday, and expects that shipment by the end of this week.
Mass vaccination clinics are expected to restart March 8.
Government officials are expected to place an order for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as soon as the order process is opened.
“Governor Leon Guerrero welcomes the Emergency Use Authorization for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and will coordinate with Public Health to ensure we place an order for Guam at the first opportunity,” governor’s spokeswoman Krystal Paco-San Agustin said.
