Friday clinic in the Valley will distribute Pfizer vaccine

The City and Borough of Juneau yesterday announced two new clinics in the Mendenhall Valley and Auke Bay – St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church this Friday, April 16, and University of Alaska Southeast April 22-April 24. The Friday, April 16, clinic at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church will be offering the Pfizer vaccine instead of the originally planned Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

This change was made due to guidance from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, which was made in accordance with a joint CDC and FDA statement on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Out of an abundance of caution, vaccine providers in Alaska have been asked to pause all use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine immediately. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is reviewing six cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in women aged 18-48 years after vaccination with the J&J vaccine. Symptoms in these patients began 6-13 days following vaccination. ACIP will meet tomorrow, April 14, to review the relevant data. None of the six cases occurred in Alaska. Anyone who has received the vaccine who develops severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider or seek medical care.

“We take every vaccine adverse event seriously. This pause is an important part of the process that ensures the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. This is how our safety checks work,” said Dr. Joe McLaughlin, Alaska’s state epidemiologist.

Meanwhile, administration of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will continue both in Alaska and nationally. The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are considered extremely safe and effective.

Here’s updated information about the two upcoming Juneau clinics in the Valley and Auke Bay. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Go to juneau.org/vaccine or call 586-6000 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome to the extent vaccine is available:

St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church
WHERE: 4207 Mendenhall Loop Road
WHEN: Friday, April 16, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHAT: About 70 Pfizer doses (more can be added if demand is higher)

University of Alaska Southeast
WHERE: Recreation Center, 12300 Mendenhall Loop Rd
WHEN: April 22 – April 24, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily
WHAT: About 70 Pfizer doses each day (more can be added if demand is higher)

The Pfizer vaccine is currently authorized by the FDA for individuals age 16 and older. These clinics are organized by Juneau Public Health and the City and Borough of Juneau, in partnership with St. Brendan’s Episcopal and UAS.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 586-6000.