Virginia Stops Using Johnson and Johnson Vaccine Until CDC Investigation is Completed

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating rare possible side effects with the Johnson and Johnson (J and J) COVID-19 vaccine. Six women developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within about two weeks of getting a J and J vaccination. One of the women, a 45-year-old from Virginia, died. To date, more than 6.8 million people in the United States have received the J and J vaccine. The cases are being investigated to understand if there is a connection to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Did you have a J and J vaccine within the past three weeks?

If you did, here is what you should watch out for: severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath. If you develop these conditions, you should contact your doctor or call 911 and make sure the healthcare provider is aware that you received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

• These symptoms are different from the flu-like illness (which can include headache) that can be seen shortly after vaccination.
• People who received the J and J vaccine more than a month ago are at very low risk of developing this adverse event.

On Tuesday, April 13, the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration asked that the Johnson and Johnson vaccine not be used until the CDC completes the investigation.

Virginia continues its vaccine rollout using Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.  Vaccinations continue to be a very important tool to get this pandemic under control.

If you need to reschedule an appointment call the Virginia call center 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).

Additional CDC Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/JJUpdate.html