YKHC pauses use of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine

Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation paused use of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine today.

The CDC is reviewing reports of six cases of a rare blood clot in patients who received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine. The CDC is recommending pausing the administration of this vaccine until further review. The CDC will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Wednesday to investigate further.

More than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine have been administered to date. Adverse reactions to the vaccine are extremely rare and none have occurred in Alaska. YKHC continues to administer the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and recommends patients receive the vaccine to protect themselves and their communities from the COVID-19 virus. 

Patients who have received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine do not require additional monitoring or follow up. However, YKHC suggests the public follow these recommendations from the CDC.

  1. If you have received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine and develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination, contact your healthcare provider, or seek medical care.
  2. Report adverse events following receipt of any COVID-19 vaccine to VAERS.
  3. If you are scheduled to receive the J&J vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider, vaccination location, or clinic to learn about additional vaccine availability.

The full CDC statement can be found at www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0413-JJ-vaccine.html.

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