J&J vaccine on pause; no adverse effects at NH+C

April 13, 2021
J&J vial in gloved hand - J&J website

APRIL 13, 2021 – Use of Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine has been paused in the U.S. while the CDC and FDA review six cases of a rare type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. All six cases occurred among women ages 18 to 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination. With 6.8 million doses given so far, these six cases are fewer than one in a million.

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.

NH+C is not using J&J vaccine at this time. NH+C dispensed J&J vaccine on March 24, March 26 and April 6. There were no adverse effects during monitoring, and no patient has reported problems to us since then.

NH+C continues to dispense Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

More common side effects of COVID vaccine are low-grade fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, joint pain, soreness at the injection site. Side effects may be greater with the second dose; they should go away in a few days. Most can be treated at home. If you have any concerns about side effects after you get a vaccine, contact your provider.

The adverse events with J&J appear to be extremely rare, according to the CDC. More than 6.8 million doses have been given in the U.S., with only six cases of blood clots.