Take whatever shot available, group of local doctors advises

A consortium of doctors on Thursday advised that people planning to get vaccinated not worry about which of the three vaccines is the right choice.

“Rather than wonder about the differences between the vaccines, we recommend that you accept whichever of the three vaccines becomes available soonest,” according to a statement by the Western PA Regional Chief Medical Officer Consortium.

The group, in a statement signed by 13 local doctors representing health systems throughout the Pittsburgh region, said

“all three vaccines provide great protection against severe illness and death caused by COVID-19.”

A third vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson became available this week, joining vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna, which have been available since December.

“Vaccination is the quickest path back to normal for our communities and we greatly appreciate those who have chosen to be vaccinated in an effort to keep themselves and their families and neighbors safe,” the group said. “For those who are waiting

to receive the vaccine, we appreciate your patience. As our supply of vaccine continues to increase, we look forward to providing it to you as soon as possible.”

The consortium said questions about the vaccines should be directed to one’s personal doctor or care provider. Information also is available at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www. cdc. gov/ vaccines/ covid-19.

The consortium’s statement comes a day after the Roman Catholic dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg asked its faithful to avoid the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — if given the choice — based on moral grounds because it uses a line of fetal cells. The consortium’s statement made no reference to the dioceses’ advice.

The consortium includes: Dr. Donald M. Whiting, chief medical officer at Allegheny Health Network; Dr. David Rottinghaus, chief medical officer at the Butler Health System; Dr. Carol J. Fox, chief medical officer at the Excela Health System; Dr. Michael Cratty, chief medical officer at the Heritage Valley Health System; Dr. Ali F. Sonel, chief medical officer at the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System; Dr.

John Sullivan, chief medical officer at St. Clair Hospital; and Dr. Donald M. Yealy, senior medical director at UPMC.

Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette Tony Paniele, of McMurray, winces as he receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic organized by Giant Eagle, in partnership with the Steelers, Tuesday at Heinz Field on the North Shore.