Update April 24, 2021: The United States has decided to lift the 11 day pause of Johnson and Johnson vaccination shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, and scientific advisors have decided the rare risks of blood clots are outweighed by the benefits of the vaccine.
The U.S. on Tuesday recommended a “pause” in using the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of rare but potentially dangerous blood clots, a development that could jeopardize the rollout of vaccines around the world.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a joint statement with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) here.
“As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen ) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine.”
All six cases were in women between the ages of 18 and 48. One person died, and all of the cases remain under investigation.
Any slowdown in vaccine distribtution could have many potential advserse effects, especially with the J&J vaccines’ relative ease of administration and one-shot program.
“I’d like to stress these events appear to be extremely rare. However COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority,” acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said at a news conference.
FDA officials emphasized that Tuesday’s action was not a mandate. Doctors and patients may still use the vaccine if they find that the benefits outweigh the possible risks.
Many officials and scientists still recommend to get whichever vaccine is available, but it is recommended to contact your doctor if you experience severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks.