U.S., Texas recommend ‘pause’ for J&J vaccine over blood clot reports
WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. is recommending a “pause” in administration of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine to investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.
In a joint statement Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts.
More than 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine have been given in the U.S., the vast majority with no or mild side effects. The potential adverse reactions appear to be extremely rare, occurring in fewer than one in every million recipients.
Following the federal move, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued a statement Tuesday asking vaccine providers in the state to also pause all administration of the J&J vaccine.
"Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare and are being further evaluated to ensure vaccine safety. People who have 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," DSHS said.
More than 500,000 doses of the single-dose J&J vaccine have been administered in Texas, and health officials say none of the six reported cases of blood clots occurred in the state.
