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.
- 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.
- Report adverse events following receipt of any COVID-19 vaccine to VAERS.
- 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.