While more than 6.8 million doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine have administered throughout the United States, there is a stir nationwide after six people have experienced life-threatening blood clots. While the CDC has confirmed that these cases are extremely rare, vaccine safety is a top priority not only for health officials but PHC. Get the full details about the recent J&J vaccine blood clot cases from our experts.
As of April 13, 2021, federal health officials have placed a pause on any further distribution of the J&J vaccine to investigate whether the vaccine is related to the blood clot cases or not. While the cases have been rare, doctors don’t have enough data to know how to respond to future cases. Because these blood clots are being found in the sinuses of the brain along with reduced platelet counts, the protocol treatment for blood clots, the blood thinner heparin, is extremely dangerous.
About the Blood Clot Cases
Out of 6.8 million people, six people reported developing blood clots after receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Here’s what we know right now about these patients:
- All were women between the ages of 18 and 48
- Symptoms occurred 6-13 days after vaccination.
- At least one death was reported and another woman was said to be in critical condition
- None of these cases were reported in the state of Texas
- The clots occurred in veins that drain blood from the brain and were found with low platelets, the fragments in the blood that normally form clots
- According to officials, a “unique treatment” will be required with the type of blood clot
CDC Recommending a Pause
Together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the CDC issued a statement recommending a pause in the use of the J&J vaccine.
“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.” (Read full statement)
According to a news conference from health officials, it has not yet been determined if the blood clots were actually caused by the J&J vaccine. The pause in administering the vaccine is expected to last a matter of days to allow researchers time to investigate whether the J&J vaccine caused the blood clots and whether J&J vaccinations should continue.
Blood Clot Symptoms: What to Watch For
If you received the vaccine by Johnson & Johnson, the chances of developing blood clots are extremely rare. In the three weeks after your vaccination, initial symptoms to watch out for include:
- Severe headache
- Abdominal pain
- Leg pain
- Shortness of breath
If you begin to develop any of the mentioned symptoms or life-threatening side effects, call 911 for immediate assistance.
Speak to Your Doctor
While the investigation into the J&J vaccine blood clots continues, the vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna continue to be in distribution. Schedule an appointment with our clinic to receive your free vaccine as soon as possible. We are open Monday from 8:30 am–6:30 pm and Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
If you’re concerned about the safety of the coronavirus vaccines, contact our medical professionals today to get answers to your questions.
