State officials are putting a temporary hold on using the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine pending a federal review.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jointly stated that out of 6.8 million Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine doses given, six cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) have been reported.
According to the Jefferson County Health Department, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is instructing all vaccine providers in the state to pause the administration of Johnson & Johnson vaccine until a federal review of adverse side effects is complete.
“While additional information regarding this issue is forthcoming, the Jefferson County Health Department is committed to the health and safety of our residents, and to the administration of COVID-19 vaccine in a safe and transparent manner,” said county health officer Gail Scott.
“Per the guidance received from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) has paused any administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine,” she continued. “Upon guidance from the appropriate state and federal entities, JCHD may resume administration of this vaccine.”
Scott said that any recipient of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should contact his or her healthcare provider or seek medical assistance immediately if he or she experiences severe headaches, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, or leg pain.
“It is unlikely that individuals who received their Johnson and Johnson vaccination more than three weeks ago without incident will experience the rare side effects referenced in this statement,” Scott said. “All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred six to 13 days after vaccination.”
Additional details and clinical management guidelines will be forthcoming and updates will be provided by DHS. Healthcare providers should utilize the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to report any complications, and recipients of any vaccine should utilize V-SAFE to report any adverse events related to vaccination. That will help to continue monitoring vaccine safety for all vaccine recipients.
“The Jefferson County Health Department thanks all individuals who have participated in V-SAFE as that data is used to monitor adverse events related to vaccine administration and empowers public health to respond effectively to any safety concerns,” Scott said.
She emphasized that the vaccine pause does not affect the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, which may be administered safely.
“While these rare, adverse events are unfortunate, this announcement from FDA and CDC is a sign that the systems in place to ensure vaccine safety are working as intended,” Scott said. “It is vital that vaccination for COVID-19 continues and that individuals receive their vaccination as soon as they are able”
To register or make an appointment for COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Jefferson County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine webpage.
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