Tennessee, Virginia to resume use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
Both Tennessee and Virginia will immediately resume use of the COVID-19 J&J single dose vaccine.
On Friday, the CDC and FDA lifted their pause on use of the vaccine following the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks of developing rare blood clots as side effects from the shot.
15 cases of rare blood clots were investigated out of nearly 8 million people who received the shot, with all being women under 50. Three died, and seven remain in the hospital.
Dr. Danny Avula, Virginia State Vaccination Coordinator, released the following statement:
“This extra scrutiny should instill confidence in the system that is in place to guarantee COVID-19 vaccine safety. As with any vaccine, we encourage individuals to educate themselves on any potential side effects and to weigh that against the possibility of hospitalization or death from COVID-19.”
Dr. Lisa Piercey, Tennessee Department of Health Health Commissioner, released the following statement:
“The independent review process conducted by ACIP further shows the amount of scrutiny and review that goes into ensuring the safety of all vaccines used in this country, including those that protect against COVID-19. The CDC and FDA took a necessary pause in the administration of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the ACIP has done its diligence to confidently recommend that the country resume its use of the vaccine. We’re excited to get this third vaccine option back into use in Tennessee.”
Photo Courtesy: FILE – In this March 3, 2021, file photo, U.S. Army medic Kristen Rogers, of Waxhaw, N.C., holds a vial of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in North Miami, Fla. With the U.S. pause of the vaccine, authorities are weighing whether to resume the shots the way European regulators decided to — with warnings of a “very rare” risk. New guidance is expected late Friday, April 23, after a government advisory panel deliberates a link between the shot and a handful of vaccine recipients who developed highly unusual blood clots. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File)
