Out of an abundance of caution, the CDC and FDA announced a recommendation to pause use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Our primary concern is the health and safety of all North Carolinians. Therefore, NC DHHS is following the recommendation of the CDC and FDA and has asked our vaccinating providers to pause the administration of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine until we learn more.
The recommendation follows six reported cases of a rare type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. Nationally, more than 6.8 million people have received the J&J shot, 242,762 in North Carolina. None of the six cases reported were in North Carolina.
These adverse events appear to be extremely rare. The vast majority of people who receive the J&J shot will only experience the expected temporary reactions like soreness of arm and feeling achy or tired for a day or two. Mild headaches and flu-like symptoms in the first few days after a vaccination can be expected and are not associated with this more severe concern.
Today's actions are the result of a vaccine safety system that is working. Our safety monitoring systems are highly sensitive, which is how the CDC could identify such a rare number of events. This pause allows them to look further at the data and make sure that providers know how to treat this rare blood clot.
While it is extremely rare that you would have a severe adverse reaction, people who have received the J&J vaccine and develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks of their vaccination should contact their health care provider and mention they’ve received the J&J vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, hospitalizations, and deaths. Anyone who has an appointment to receive a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should go to their appointment as planned. Those with an appointment to receive the J&J vaccine will be re-scheduled.
We will continue to provide everyone with timely and accurate information as we learn more. Our goal is that everyone gets a safe vaccine. Everyone 16 and older is now eligible to get vaccinated. The vaccine is free and you don’t need an ID or insurance. You can learn more about vaccines at YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov. To find a local vaccine provider, visit MySpot.nc.gov.
