On April 13th, vaccination sites throughout Southern California are pausing distribution of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.  According to the CDC website, nearly more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine had been administered in the United States. There had been many reports of symptoms from people who had received the dose. The CDC and FDA are now looking and reviewing data of the vaccine involving multiple cases of blood clots. Concerns have risen surrounding those who have received their first dose of the vaccine. Nearly 7 million Americans have received the vaccine nationwide. 

Who has been affected by the Vaccine so far?

All of the reports had occurred to women between the ages of 18 and 48. The symptoms occurred six to 13 days after their vaccination. CDC does not know yet if the vaccine did indeed cause these health issues. They suggest medical care if you have the following symptoms which include severe headache, backache, new neurologic symptoms, shortness of breath, and severe abdominal pain. Furthermore symptoms include leg swelling, tiny red spots on the skin also known as petechiae, and new or easy bruising.

What is happening now with the vaccines?

Drive up clinics across the US have switched the Johnson and Johnson dose with Pfizer and Moderna. CDC ensures the public that Pfizer and Moderna use a different technology than Johnson and Johnson are safe. The chief scientific officer at Johnson and Johnson had comments of his own. He stated, “The safety and well-being of the people who use our products is our number one priority . . .”. He went on to say, “We continue to believe in the positive benefit-risk profile of our vaccine.” 

Should I still get the vaccine?

According to the White House, even though the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is on hold there are still enough vaccines. The CDC and White House still encourage everyone to take the vaccine. There are enough of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine to give the dose to 300 million Americans. However to some people, their trust on the vaccine has fallen. According to Dr. Kavita Patel, she says it will be harder to convince others to take the vaccine. She states, “It will set us back, because we already have some patients who were already a little skeptical to use this as a reason to say ‘Look, why trust this vaccine if I can’t trust another vaccine’.” In 13 states in the US new infections have shot up at least 25% over the past 2 weeks. Michigan had a hard hit with cases up more than 62%. 

Should I be concerned if I got the vaccine?

The CDC states if you had gotten the vaccine more than three weeks ago, then you shouldn’t worry. Chances of you developing a blood clot is extremely low. Although if you had received the vaccine within the last three weeks your risk is also low. However they recommend you watch out for possible symptoms of a blood clot. Symptoms of the following: severe headache, blurred vision, fainting, seizures, pain in your chest or stomach, leg pain or swelling or shortness of breath.   

Dr. Fauci’s thoughts

President Joe Biden’s chief medical advisor Dr. Fauci, had his own thoughts on the federal regulations. According to Dr. Fauci, he believes that the US will resume using Johnson and Johnson Vaccines by Friday April 23, 2021. He states, “I would be very surprised if we don’t have a resumption in some form by Friday.” Fauci later on mentions, “I don’t really anticipate that they’re going to want to stretch it out a bit longer.