Does j&j vaccine actually help prevent getting infected with covid - or just help "cure" it? seems like studies show only the mrna actually prevent it? i'm getting the 1st vaccine i can get regardless, just trying to learn the differences?

The initial data suggest J&J only prevents covid in ~65% but prevents severe disease or death in near all cases. If you get covid after J&J you could expect to be a spreader, but we need time & data to know for sure. Maderna & Pfizer vaccines are reported to prevent 95-97% of infections.

The Johnson and Johnson Vaccine also helps to prevent infection - the immunity rate is not as high as the 2 mRNA vaccines. Glad you will be getting vaccinated.

Get the vaccine that is available the soonest. They all prevent serious illness about equally. For healthy diet: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/., exercise 30 minutes/day, drink enough water daily so your urine is mostly colorless, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs. Get HPV and Covid vaccines. Wish you good health!