U.S. Calls For Pause On Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

The U.S. is now recommending a “pause” in the administration of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate reports of potentially dangerous side effects.

In a joint statement shared Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the Food and Drug Administration said it was currently investigating blood clots in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts, CNN reports.

“CDC will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday to further review these cases and assess their potential significance,” the statement said. “FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases. Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution. This is important, in part, to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.”

For anyone who has received the Johnson & Johnson shot, those who have developed side effects including severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider, according to the statement.