FDA asks states to temporarily halt use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

By Alyssa Wilson Published: April 13, 2021

FDA asks states to temporarily halt use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

FILE - This Dec. 2, 2020 photo provided by Johnson & Johnson shows vials of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine protects against COVID-19, according to an analysis by U.S. regulators Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, that sets the stage for a final decision on a new and easier-to-use shot to help tame the pandemic. The Food and Drug Administration’s scientists confirmed that overall, it's about 66% effective and also said J&J's shot, one that could help speed vaccinations by requiring just one dose instead of two, is safe to use. (Johnson & Johnson via AP)

The Food and Drug Administration is asking states to stop using the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine temporarily.

This measure comes after six people in the United States developed a rare blood clotting disorder.

Today FDA and @CDCgov issued a statement regarding the Johnson & Johnson #COVID19 vaccine. We are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution.

— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) April 13, 2021

The FDA said the cases of the disorder are rare, but the pause is “out of an abundance of caution.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold a meeting on Wednesday to further review the situation.

CDC will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday to further review these cases and assess their potential significance. FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases.

— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) April 13, 2021

People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after receiving the dose should contact their doctor.

The organization says the safety of COVID-19 vaccines is its top priority.

“COVID19 vaccine safety is a top priority for the federal government, and we take all reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination very seriously.”

Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, said the temporary pause on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines will not significantly impact the Biden Administration’s vaccination plans.

With the FDA and CDC’s recommendation that we pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, Jeff Zients ensures that our supply of Pfizer and Moderna will allow us to continue our pace of administering 3 million shots per day. Read his statement here: https://t.co/QL6i1rbCMl

— White House COVID-19 Response Team (@WHCOVIDResponse) April 13, 2021

“This announcement will not have a significant impact on our vaccination plan: Johnson & Johnson vaccine makes up less than 5 percent of the recorded shots in arms in the United States to date. Based on actions taken by the President earlier this year, the United States has secured enough Pfizer and Moderna doses for 300 million Americans.” – Jeff Zients

The Biden Administration is now working with state and federal partners to get Pfizer or Moderna vaccines for those scheduled to get the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

This is a developing story that will be updated.