Dr. Hallberg answers your vaccine questions

A vial of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
A vial of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is displayed at South Shore University Hospital on March 3 in Bay Shore, N.Y. Janssen Pharmaceuticals is a division of Johnson & Johnson.
Mark Lennihan | AP Photo file

The one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot is being given out, and the state has accelerated the timelines on who can actually get a shot. There's a lot of vaccine news, but still a lot of questions, too.

So we put some of yours to Dr. Jon Hallberg, medical director of the University of Minnesota Physicians Mill City Clinic.

  • The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has a lower efficacy rate than the others. Should I wait for a different vaccine if offered the J&J shot?

  • I heard the COVID-19 vaccines are similar to those for influenza, in that they reduce the likelihood of getting it and the severity of infections but don’t 100 percent stop anyone from getting it or spreading it. Is that true?

  • I’m having trouble getting a second shot. How long is too long to wait between doses?

  • I’ve had my second shot. How long until I can visit others without worrying about transmission?

You can listen to Dr. Hallberg’s answers by clicking play on the audio player above.

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