Per authorization of the federal government, CDPHE is requiring providers to stop administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until additional information becomes available from the FDA and CDC.
Last week, 6 individuals were found to develop a rare blood clot following their Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Out of the 6.8+ million people that have received this vaccine, the chance of getting this rare blood clot is very low.
This temporary halt is to ensure that healthcare providers are aware of these potential but rare adverse effects, and can respond accordingly. The treatment for this specific type of blood clotting is not the common treatment for blood clots and more time is needed to make sure healthcare providers know how to recognize and remedy it.
It is unknown if this incident is directly caused by the vaccine. Because the individuals who experienced blood clots are women, healthcare professionals urge pregnant and postpartum women to get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines in the meantime. Due to the persistent comparison of oral contraceptives and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, it is significant to note the contrast between the type of blood clotting produced by each.
If you have an appointment for a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you will either:
– Receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine instead, or
– Be contacted by the vaccine provider you scheduled with to reschedule once the FDA and CDC deliver more information.
Currently, it is unclear when the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be accessible again. As of April 14, the CDC has reviewed the concern of this vaccine and have made the decision to extend the evaluation period.
The safety of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been continually monitored since their initial distribution to the public. As of current, the FDA and CDC have implemented heightened monitoring of all COVID-19 vaccines amidst the matter regarding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Read this CDC statement to find more information regarding the current state of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I was scheduled to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
A: Governor Jared Polis recommended that individuals scheduled for the shot should check with the providers, who may switch them to a two-dose vaccine or reschedule for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at a later date.
Q: What symptoms should I be on the lookout for?
A: People who have received the vaccine should monitor themselves for headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain and fevers, said Dr. Connie Savor Price, chief medical officer at Denver Health.
Q: How long after receiving the vaccine should I be on the alert?
A: Out of an abundance of caution, perhaps three weeks after your vaccine, watch for those symptoms and seek medical attention, should you experience them.
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