On May 5, 2022 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it was limiting the authorized use of the Janssen COVID-19 (Johnson & Johnson - J&J) single dose vaccine to individuals 18 years of age and older for whom:
- Had a severe reaction after an mRNA vaccine, or a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in Pfizer or Moderna,
- Would otherwise remain unvaccinated due to limited access to Pfizer or Moderna,
- or who choose J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, despite safety concerns.
The FDA has identified a risk for blood clots associated with the J&J vaccine. While the blood clots are rare, federal scientists identified 60 cases, including 9 that were fatal, as of mid-March. That amounts to one blood clot case per 3.23 million J&J shots administered.
The factors that put an individual at risk for thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), a syndrome of rare and potentially life-threatening blood clots in combination with low levels of blood platelets following administration of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine remain unknown.
Currently, Riley County Health Department offers the Moderna, Pfizer, and J&J vaccines, and will continue to offer J&J until 07/09/2022. To date, Riley County Health Department has administered 388 doses of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, 34,748 doses of the Moderna, and 3,602 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. RCHD is not aware of any cases of blood clots or adverse reactions associated with vaccine doses administered by the health department.
If you have questions about the vaccines, their effectiveness, or their risks, you should talk with a medical professional. Information is also available on the FDA website at https://www.fda.gov/
COVID-19 vaccines are available for free at the health clinic, located at 2030 Tecumseh Road. No appointment is needed. The clinic is open:
- Mon-Wed: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Thurs: noon – 6 p.m.
- Fri: 8:30 - 11 a.m.
Find more information about RCHD at https://www.rileycountyks.gov/health