Johnston County announces second Johnson & Johnson vaccine drive-thru clinic this week

The Johnston County Health Department will open a second COVID-19 vaccination clinic for all adults 18 and older this week, the department said Tuesday.

The first drive-through clinic will be held on Wednesday, April 7, from 8 a.m. until supplies run out at North Johnston High School, the county said. Those seeking a vaccine should enter the school athletic field entrance across from 460 Watson Road in Kenly, the department said.

The second of the two clinics will be held Saturday, April 10, from 8 a.m. until supplies run out at Brightleaf Flea Market at 2320 S. Brightleaf Blvd. in Smithfield, the county said.

Both clinics will administer the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine, which requires only one dose to reach full effectiveness. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which will not be offered, require two doses spaced a few weeks apart to reach full effectiveness.

In North Carolina, all adults ages 16 or older are eligible for the vaccine Wednesday under new state guidelines.

But only the Pfizer vaccine can be administered to teens as young as 16, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for people 18 and older.

The vaccines will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The county said it has 500 doses available at each clinic, and that those seeking a dose should prepare for a wait. They are encouraged to bring food and water, and restrooms will be available at both sites, the release said.

Over 5 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in North Carolina, and nearly 1 in 4 adults is fully vaccinated, according to the most recent available data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

DHHS reports that more than 100,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered across the state. The single-shot vaccine was the most recent of the three to be approved for the public.

In Johnston County, roughly 1 in 5 adults is at least partially vaccinated, meaning they have received at least one dose of any of the three approved vaccines.

The county has asked those planning to attend either of the clinics to complete the Prevaccination Checklist and Registration forms found at www.johnstonnc.com/covid19/files/Prevaccination_Covid_Reg_Form.pdf.

This story was originally published April 4, 2021 at 11:46 AM.