J&J vaccine given go-ahead, again

The Centers for Disease Control last Friday resumed rollout of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine following an 11-day pause.

Administration of the vaccine was halted April 12 so the CDC could review six reported cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot that occurred in individuals after they received the Johnson & Johnson shot. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets. All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms arose 6-13 days after vaccination.

Both the CDC and U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the blood clotting cases and eventually determined the vaccine's potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. The FDA and CDC also conducted extensive outreach to providers and clinicians in the wake of the blood clotting cases.

"They were made aware of the potential for these adverse events and could properly manage and recognize these events due to the unique treatment required for these blood clots and low platelets," the CDC stated in a release.

Kim Morran, director of O'Brien County Public Health, said local demand for the vaccine has dipped since rollout of the Johnson & Johnson shot was briefly halted.

"I definitely feel like this has instilled fear into the general public," she said. "It is very unfortunate because we are continuing to hear daily of more positive COVID-19 cases in our county again."

Morran reported on Monday that approximately 30 percent of O'Brien County's population is fully inoculated with either Johnson & Johnson's single-dose shot or the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

"I really want people to get vaccinated," she said. "Please call if you have questions or consult your physician."

Morran has been reassuring people who've expressed hesitance about the COVID-19 vaccines that they are safe. She noted concerns have been thoroughly vetted by the CDC and FDA, and she reiterated the odds of experiencing blood-clotting issues are statistically slim.

"It is a very rare event occurring at a rate of 7 per 1 million vaccinated women ages 18-49 years old. For women 50 years and older and men of all ages, this adverse event is even more rare," she said. "If you are concerned but would like the J&J vaccine, consult with your doctor."

Morran hoped more people would sign up for the shot in the coming weeks. A vaccine clinic is planned at the Crossroads Pavilion Event Center in Sheldon on Tuesday, May 4. The Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines will be available, and people can register by visiting http://www.obriencountyvaccineclinic.as.me.

"I encourage people to get vaccinated," said Morran. "We have plenty of vaccine and we need to keep getting people to get vaccinated."