First Agency to Administer the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine in Washoe County

The first shipment of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Washoe County on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Approximately 3,600 doses were delivered to the Washoe County Health District. Of the 3,600 Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, 700 will be transferred to Community Health Alliance (CHA). CHA will be the first agency to administer the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in Washoe County. They will begin vaccination efforts today, March 3, starting at 1:30 p.m. at their Wells Ave. Health Center for patients and non-patients 65 and older.

“We are blessed to be able to offer the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine to our community,” said Oscar Delgado, CEO of CHA. “This is a big step in meeting the growing vaccination demands in our community.”

The top priority for CHA is to ensure that underserved and at-risk populations are given proper and fair access to the COVID-19 vaccine and will continue to work with the Washoe County Health District in addressing individuals who live in the zip codes of 89502 and 89431.

“We are thankful to have Community Health Alliance to provide health care and to help vaccinate vulnerable populations in Washoe County,” said Kevin Dick, district health officer for Washoe County. “They are a great resource for our community, and we should all support their efforts.”

Many people have asked whether they should wait to receive a specific vaccine – Pfizer, Moderna or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). CHA and the Washoe County Health District urge people not to wait for a specific vaccine.

“When given the opportunity to get a COVID-19 vaccine, be it Pfizer, Moderna or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), don’t wait for a specific type,” said Jennifer Wheeler, chief pharmacy officer at CHA. “The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine requires a single dose compared to Pfizer and Moderna. All are effective at preventing serious disease and death, and are key solutions to ending the pandemic.”

Patients and non-patients 65 and older can book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments through CHA’s website at https://www.chanevada.org/services/medical/covid-19-vaccine/ or by calling (775) 336-3035.