NETCHD pauses J&J vaccine use

The Northeast Tri County Health District is joining others in pausing use of theJohnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine.

As of April 12, more than 6.85 million doses of the J&J vaccine have been administered in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal Food and Drug Administration are currently reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the vaccine. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination.

The CDC and the FDA have announced a pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution while this data is being reviewed.

A small number of Johnson & Johnson vaccinations have been administered by the Northeast Tri County Health District and partners at area clinics. While the risk of this blood clot is very low, it is important for recipients of this vaccine to be aware of the possibility.

If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccination from one of our clinics or elsewhere, we encourage you to watch for the following symptoms: severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms develop within three weeks after vaccination, you should contact your health care provider.

While this pause is in effect, NETCHD and partners will continue to conduct vaccination clinics with Moderna and Pfizer vaccines as they are available. If you have questions about the vaccine or would like to schedule an appointment, visit https://tinyurl.com/NEWAvaccine or call 509-684-2262, option 4.