“As of March 2021, we have three COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized by the FDA for emergency use. Those include the Moderna vaccine, the Pfizer vaccine, and the J and J or Janssen vaccine. The questions I’m hearing from the Black community about the Johnson and Johnson vaccines is, “Does it work as well as the other vaccines?” And the second most common question is, “Which one would you get?” They all basically do the same thing. They’re all really, really good at preventing people from getting seriously sick that would result in them, you know, ending up in the hospital or dying. One of the things that’s confusing about comparing the J and J vaccine to the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccines is that people are comparing these numbers, the efficacy. For the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the number is around 72%, compared to 94 and 95% for the other vaccines. Efficacy refers to the degree in which the intervention works in a study. You know, in a study it’s called efficacy, but in a real world application, it would be called effectiveness. So if you compare the raw numbers, 72 versus 94 I know it doesn’t sound, it doesn’t sound great for J and J that it’s 72 versus 94. The truth, is trying to compare them, is like comparing apples and oranges. It’s actually not a fair comparison. And the reason is because the Johnson and Johnson vaccine was tested when we had the mutations versus the other two vaccines. They weren’t tested against the mutations. Considering all three vaccines, the similarities being that they all work really well to prevent serious illness leading to hospitalizations and deaths. Our biggest concern should be whether or not we are saving lives. Are people dying? Are people being hospitalized? All of these vaccines are preventing deaths. If I had a choice between them, I would probably take the J and J vaccine. I would choose it because it’s only one shot. And the vaccine is just as good. I’m not a person who enjoys being shot or given an injection, so, if I can get a vaccine that only has one shot, you know, that works for me. Get whichever vaccine is available to you first. If you’re offered the Pfizer, take it. If you’re offered the Moderna, take it. If you’re offered the J and J, take it. It’s been a long road and vaccinations will help us get there.”e
Tag: moderna
PA Department of Health Identifies Community Health Net as “Best-in-Class Equity Performer”
COVID-19 vaccinations on par or in greater proportions to county racial/ethnic minority.
Erie, Pa. – April 28, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced it was named “Best-in-Class Equity Performer” by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The designation, issued by Parker Beene, Executive Advisor, Secretary of Health, states that CHN facilities are vaccinating on par or in greater proportions to Erie County’s racial/ethnic minority populations. The conclusion is an affirmation of Community Health Net’s efforts to distribute doses of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the region equitably.
“This recognition is aligned with our mission to improve the quality of life in our region by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. “It highlights the success, tremendous work, and positive impact of distributing vaccines equitably to our community by the CHN team during this public health crisis.“
To distribute its Moderna supply equitably, Community Health Net focused on reaching out to minority populations through dialogue and engagement with community leaders and influencers. The health center also used targeted efforts through flyers, mailings, and other media channels to inform individuals while providing easy access to online registration for the vaccine. Additionally, CHN maintained open communication channels with state and federal agencies while providing consistent availability to community members throughout the crisis.
“We are proud of Community Health Net and excited by this designation and what it means for the people of Erie. It is a testimonial to the resolve of our health centers to help ensure equitable health outcomes for all of our communities,” said Cheri Rinehart, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers. The organization is the state primary care association (PCA) for community health centers, serving more than 900,000 patients annually at 300-plus sites in underserved rural and urban areas. “This finding is reflective of our commitment to provide affordable, quality health care for all by supporting the largest network of primary health care providers in the commonwealth.”
160 Vaccinated Against COVID-19 at Girard High School
Community Health Net secured COVID-19 vaccines and administered shots to 160 teachers and the Girard School District’s support staff on Wednesday morning during a Girard High School vaccination clinic. The number also included patients of the Community Health Net’s Girard School-Based Health Center. They were part of Phase 1A in the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s vaccine distribution plan. Erie News Now reported the story:
“A COVID-19 vaccination clinic took place Wednesday at Girard High School. About 80 teachers and support staff who are part of Phase 1A in the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s vaccine distribution plan received the vaccine Wednesday morning. The Girard School District has a longstanding partnership with Community Health Net, which secured the vaccines and administered the shots. In addition, approximately 80 Girard community members who are part of Phase 1A – and patients of Community Health Net – will receive the vaccine on Wednesday afternoon. All available appointments have been filled and walk-ins are not permitted. Event organizers say having a clinic in Girard will be more convenient for residents than having to drive to Erie to receive the vaccine.” ~ Erie News Now
Thank you, Erie News Now for your coverage of this important event.
To view the entire story: http://bit.ly/3aRGXn5
Community Health Net Receives Moderna Vaccine Shipment
Erie, Pa. – December 29, 2020 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced that it has received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. Dr. Anthony Ignocheck, Acting Medical Director, Dr. Warren Beaver, and other clinical staff will receive the first distributed doses at the organization’s primary location, 1202 State St., on Tuesday, December 29, at 4 pm.
Community Health Net’s Acting Medical Director, Dr. Anthony Ignocheck, Dr. Warren Beaver, and other clinical staff will be the first to receive a dose of the just received Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine at the organization’s primary location at 1202 State St. on Tuesday, December 29 at 4 pm. Clinical staff, members of CHN’s Board of Directors, and Executives will be available for comment. The media is invited to attend. Social distancing rules will be in place.
“Families in our region have been ravaged by the COVID-19 virus, along with severe economic impact to our community,” said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. Based on evidence from clinical trials, the Moderna vaccine was 94% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in people without evidence of a previous infection. “We recognize this vaccine as an opportunity to irradicate this menace and restore vitality back to the place we call home.”
The media is invited to contact Community Heath Net for more information at 814.454.4530 x227
About Community Health Net
Community Health Net is the preeminent, community-focused healthcare network that advances the wellness of the region. Our mission is to improve our region’s quality of life by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all. We are a Federally Qualified Health Center with six locations and eight offices serving the Lake Erie region for over 35 years.
Acknowledgment
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $280,000 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.