INGHAM COUNTY - The Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) has paused all distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. This decision was made in accordance with recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A press release from the ICHD stated that there are reports of six cases of a rare blood clot, each following the receipt of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Although only six of the more than 6.8 million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccines given in the U.S. caused this severe reaction, the CDC and FDA are recommending the pause as a cautionary measure.

“Safety is our highest priority. It is important that the CDC and the FDA take time to investigate these rare but serious adverse events,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. “The pause is a sign that our vaccine reporting and investigation systems are working to ensure safety. It is a sign that the CDC and the FDA are exercising extreme caution with the vaccines. ICHD will await their investigation before taking further action.”

Those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within the last three weeks are advised to watch for symptoms such as severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath, and contact a physician if any of these instances occur. All six reported cases of the blood clot occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred six to 13 days after vaccination.

The CDC plans to hold a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices tomorrow, April 14, to conduct further investigation.

Until a review of these cases and their potential significance is complete, the ICHD will separate and store all Johnson & Johnson vaccines. All scheduled appointments for Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be switched to either Pfizer or Moderna.