An ingredient apparently used in the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine shows the Diocese of Rockville Center asking people to avoid taking the single dose.
The diocese says the vaccine is “morally compromised” due to links with cells derived from aborted fetal tissue.
In a statement with strong words, the diocese said: “Abortion is a morally bad act that cannot be nullified or reduced in seriousness even for the good intention of helping others (that is, as producing a vaccine).”
Although the diocese did not go so far as to ban the Johnson & Johnson vaccine – she said: “For moral reasons related to its connection to the evil of abortion, it is recommended that, of the alternatives available now or in the very near future, o Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are preferred over Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines. “
The church’s statement comes days after the Food & Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine, which health experts praised because it requires only one injection and is not limited by cold storage requirements.
Johnson & Johnson officials say their vaccine formula does not include fetal tissue.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s leading infectious disease specialist, who was raised as a Catholic, last week asked Americans to take any of the three coronavirus vaccines now available to them and not postpone getting a vaccine in time after time.
“There are three highly effective vaccines. I can say that I was fully vaccinated with one that was available. It was Moderna, ”says Fauci. “If I were not vaccinated now, and had the option of getting the J&J vaccine now or waiting for another vaccine, I would have any vaccine that was available to me.”
The Vatican’s position differs from the Diocese of Rockville Center. Pope Francis said that people have a moral obligation to receive the vaccine.