U.S. To Pause Distribution of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

WASHINGTON, TX –  After six women developed blood clots days after receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVDI-19 vaccine, the CDC and FDA announced an investigation into any potential dangers. In addition they are reccomending distribution centers to "pause" any further administration of the vaccine.

In a joint statement the agencies, as of Monday, more than 6.8 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in the U.S.  

According to the available data, the six women were found to have a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia).

The six cases involved female patients between the ages of 18 and 48 who experienced the symptoms 6 to 13 days after vaccination. 

According to the CDC, these blood clots cannot be treated with the usual medication, such as an anticoagulant drug called heparin, as it may be dangerous in this situation. Meaning alternative treatments will be administered to the afflicted patients.

In order to detect any additional adverse side effects, the CDC is asking people who have received the J&J vaccine and develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination to contact their health care provider.

In order to investigate the blood clot issue, the 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. On their side, the FDA will review that analysis of the cases.

"Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution," read the statement. "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.
Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare. COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority for the federal government, and we take all reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination very seriously."