Ingredient mix-up means far fewer vaccine doses head to Utah next week

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah will receive far fewer doses than expected of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine next week because of an ingredient mix-up at a Baltimore factory, KSL NewsRadio has learned. 

In a live interview with KSL NewsRadio’s Dave & Dujanovic, Utah Department of Health Immunizations Director Rich Lakin said Utah would receive about 35,000 fewer doses next week than it received this week. 

According to state officials, Utah received around 40,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week, but anticipates receiving just 4,900 next week. Overall, that means the total number of available vaccine doses will be reduced next week, though Pfizer and Moderna doses will still be available. 

“That’s significant, because we went from 106,440 down to 71,810 [total vaccine doses available],” Lakin said. “Disappointing.” 

So far, 994,000 Utahns have received at least one dose of one of the available vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires just one shot rather than two. 

We are still working to determine exactly what that means for Utah residents who already have appointments scheduled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This story will be updated. In the meantime, tune to KSL for live, breaking updates. 

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How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
• Don’t touch your face.
• Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
• Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
• If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
• Obtain a flu shot.
• Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A 

Utah’s Coronavirus Information 

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

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