Out of an abundance of caution, the FDA and CDC have recommended that the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine rollout be paused while they review reports of blood clots among people vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson. More than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered in the U.S. and although it is very rare to experience adverse side effects, the FDA will take this time to review the 6 reported cases.
In accordance with this guidance, Tanana Chiefs Conference has paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. At this time, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will continue to be available. Patients preferring the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be placed on a waiting list until the resumption of its use is recommended.
The symptoms related to the rare blood clots have occurred between 6 and 13 days following the date the vaccine was given. If you have received the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine in the last three weeks and you are experiencing any of the following unusual symptoms—please contact your health care provider or seek medical attention:
- Severe headache
- Severe backache
- Abdominal pain
- Leg pain
- Leg swelling
- Shortness of breath
- New neurological symptoms
- New or easy bruising
Please keep in mind that the normal and expected symptoms after receiving any COVID-19 vaccine are:
- Tiredness
- Mild to moderate headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
- Pain/swelling at site of injection
These symptoms are the result of your bodies expected response to the vaccine and shows that the vaccine is working and you are building immunity. These expected vaccine symptoms occur 1-3 days following vaccination. For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/JJUpdate.html