Added 4/15/21
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is following guidance from a joint Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statement about the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine released on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Providers and their patients can learn more about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause and the CDC's Health Alert.
Rare and severe blood clot reported
Out of an extreme abundance of caution, the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is temporarily suspended until further review.
The CDC and FDA are investigating six reported U.S. cases involving a rare and severe type of blood clot after individuals received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Treatment for this specific type of blood clot is different from the treatment typically used. Heparin, a blood thinner used to treat blood clots, may be dangerous under these circumstances. Alternative treatments need to be given.
Symptoms and guidance
Patients who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and who develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider for assistance.
Providers should be aware of the potential for these adverse events and plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.
Report adverse events
Please report adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.
