On Tuesday, the Arizona Department of Health Services announced it is recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement follows reports six cases of the of six blood clot cases in women between the ages of 18 and 48.
The pause is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The CDC and FDA are recommending a pause in the use of the vaccine based on six reported U.S. cases, out of 6.8 million doses administered nationally, of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The women experienced symptoms 6 to 13 days after vaccination.
So far in Arizona, 226,300 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been allocated in Arizona, with approximately 122,000 administered. ADHS is working with local public health departments and community partners to communicate the recommended pause in Johnson & Johnson vaccine administration. People who had appointments to receive the Johnson & Johnson can schedule an appointment for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine online at azdhs.gov/findvaccine while Johnson & Johnson vaccine administration is paused. Providers may still administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine if they feel it is clinically appropriate after a discussion with their patient.
People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider. The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet on Wednesday and will provide further guidance to states.