First Single-Shot Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccines Administered At Tufts Medical Center

BOSTON (CBS) – Tufts Medical Center issues its first doses of the single shot Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine during a clinic Thursday morning.

Johnson & Johnson, which received emergency authorization over the weekend, began shipping four million doses around the country this week. The company plans to have 20 million more made by the end of March and 100 million by the end of June.

Gov. Charlie Baker said the state was only expecting a modest shipment this week, then a pause until the end of the month while Johnson & Johnson ramps up production.

Tufts received about 2,000 Johnson & Johnson doses Tuesday morning. The hospital began administering them Thursday morning.

Mary Chin, the chief executive officer of the Asian American Civic Association, was the first to receive her shot.

"I want to tell everybody to not be afraid," Chin said about the vaccine.

"I also think it's important to educate everybody that [the pandemic is] not over. Even after the vaccine is distributed, we really need to keep masking and keep washing our hands and keep distancing," she added.

Visit Mass.Gov/CovidVaccine to find out when you're eligible and to book an appointment or call the hotline at 211.

In:
• COVID-19
• Coronavirus
• COVID-19 Boston Coverage