DPH PUTTING HOLD ON THE USE OF THE J&J ONE-DOSE COVID-19 VACCINE

April 13, 2021

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the CDC and FDA are currently reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and sever type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine.  As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the U.S.

While the CDC says at present, “These adverse  events appear to be extremely rare,” they are recommending a pause in the use of the J&J vaccine. 

The Delaware Division of Public Health says they are unaware of any issues of blood clots in Delaware that may be related to recent doses of the J&J vaccine in the First State. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are recommending that our Delaware vaccine partners hold off on using the J&J vaccine until the situation has been further assessed,” said Andrea Wojcik, Chief of the Office of Communications for DPH.  “The state will not use J&J at its vaccination sites until we receive further federal guidance.”

The CDC says they will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday to further review these cases and assess their potential significance. The FDA will also review that analysis as it also investigates these cases, according to the CDC.

“The effects that would indicate a blood clot are different from the usual and expected side effects of a vaccine,” said Wojcik. 

 “People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.”