The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration are recommending that the United States pause the use of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine over blood clot fears.
It is reported that six people in the U.S experienced a blood clot after two weeks of inoculation.
“We are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution.” Said FDA on its Twitter page.
According to the FDA, the treatment of blood clots resulting from the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is different from the treatment that might be typically administered, however, the body said the adverse events of blood clots are “extremely” rare.
CDC is set to convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on April 14, 2021, to further review these cases and assess their potential significance. Later, the FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases.
“Until that process is complete, we are recommending this pause. This is important to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot,” added FDA.
The Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine had picked up pace since it’s a single shot compared to all other vaccines that are administered in two doses.
It also proved effective against new strains such as the south African strain but FDA has defended its decision to suspend its use.
“COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority for the federal government, and we take all reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination very seriously.”
The suspension comes after FDA issued emergency use authorization of the vaccine in the U.S on February 27, 2021.
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine being distributed in America are manufactured in Netherlands.
