Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels 13th District: Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Suspension.

 

The Westchester County Department of Health has suspended use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine pending further safety information after the CDC and FDA recommended a halt in the use out of an abundance of caution.

All appointments for Johnson & Johnson vaccines today at New York State mass vaccination sites will be honored by the State with the Pfizer vaccine.  The County vaccination locations and field vaccinators will be utilizing the Moderna vaccine until further notice.

While the CDC and the FDA have reported that six people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine developed a rare blood clotting disorder within about three weeks of vaccination, it is important to remember that any adverse events related to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine “appear to be extremely rare.” It is not known if the blood clotting disorder was caused by the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or other factors. An estimated 6.8 million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered so far, suggesting the disorder is extremely rare, affecting fewer than one in a million recipients.

However, the CDC and the FDA have stated that people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, “who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.'”

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IF I ALREADY RECEIVED THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE?

There is no cause for alarm. This is a safety measure out of an abundance of caution. Be aware of any unusual symptoms, just as you should after any vaccine or new medication.

WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE?

There is no cause for alarm. Keep your appointment unless you are contacted to reschedule. The other two COVID-19 vaccines are still approved. When possible the vaccine provider will substitute with them or reschedule your appointment.

WHAT IF I RECEIVED OR HAVE AN APPOINTMENT FOR ONE OF THE OTHER VACCINES?

There is no cause for alarm. Keep your appointment unless you are contacted to reschedule. The other two COVID-19 vaccines are still approved.

WHAT IF I THINK I HAVE A REACTION TO A COVID-19 VACCINE – JOHNSON & JOHNSON OR OTHER?

For non-critical illness or discomfort, discuss your symptoms with your health care provider. Mention the date you were vaccinated and the brand if you know it. Be sure to list all symptoms you have having. If you believe you are having serious symptoms, seek immediate medical care, whether or not you think they might be related to the vaccine.

Federal health authorities monitor reports of all symptoms and illnesses that occur after vaccination whether caused by the vaccine or not, or if the cause is uncertain. You or your provider can report the event online at https://vaers.hhs.gov/esub/index.jsp If you need further assistance, please email info@VAERS.org or call 1-800-822-7967.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

We will suspend any use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until federal authorities announce its use can resume. We are closely monitoring new information as it becomes available. The CDC has scheduled a meeting of its expert advisory committee Wednesday, April 14.