MT. VERNON, IL — Despite the nationwide pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson version of COVID-19 vaccines, Crossroads Community Hospital has announced they will go ahead with a joint effort to host a walk-in vaccination clinic this Friday in Mt. Vernon. Tuesday, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) paused the use of the J&J vaccine out of an abundance of caution after six U.S. cases of a rare, severe blood clot were reported in individuals who received the J&J dose.

In light of this news, Director of Operations with the hospital John Walker, says they have made the switch to the Pfizer brand shot for Friday.

If you’ve received the J&J vaccine and develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks of your vaccination date, contact your health care provider immediately. The clinic is free, open to any adult, not limited to just Jefferson County residents, and will run from 8am-6pm while doses are available.

The Army National Guard will handle the distribution and administering of the shots. Jefferson County Health Department, the City of Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County EMA, and the Mt. Vernon Police Department are all putting on this event in a joint effort with the hospital to reach individuals in the local communities where they reside.