The CDC and FDA just announced that they recommend pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine over blood clot concerns.
At this time, there were over six reported US cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot. The cases reported were among 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered in the United States. All six were among women between the ages of 18 and 48 and the symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after the vaccination. This information was released in a join statement from the principal deputy director of the CDC, Dr. Anne Schuchat and director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Dr. Peter Marks.
They stated "CDC will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday to further review these cases and assess their potential significance.FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases. Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution. This is important, in part, to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot."
For those who have received the Johnson & Johnson shot, developed severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.
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