Addlesperger reports good news on COVID vaccinations

Dr. John Addlesperger has reported more good news regarding vaccinations against the COVID-19 virus.

Speaking to Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s board of trustees Wednesday, Dr. Addlesperger, who’s the hospital’s chief medical officer, said according to the latest priority list from the state health department, issued Tuesday, people ages 50 to 64 are now eligible to be vaccinated.

Dr. Addlesperger said the hospital has received 300 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which – unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines – requires only one shot. He said the hospital is working with public health to determine the best use of that vaccine.

He said the other good news, from the federal government, is that more vaccine is coming and there will be enough available for every adult by the end of May.

Responding to a question from Hospital CEO Mike McCafferty, Dr. Addlesperger said even people who have been vaccinated can still get the virus and not be aware of it, and it isn’t yet known whether they can then effectively spread the virus to others.

But, he said, the preliminary data is that the likelihood of a vaccinated person transmitting the disease is pretty low.