The CDC gave the all-clear to resume J&J vaccinations at three sites in North Carolina, after a vaccine lot analyses did not yield reasons for concern.
Three vaccination locations — a mass vaccination site in Raleigh and clinics in Hillsborough and Chapel Hill — temporarily halted distribution of Janssen shots after experiencing an increase in reports of adverse reactions yesterday. At least 26 people experienced adverse reactions that could be treated on-site, including fainting. Four individuals were taken to hospitals, three of which have been released.
CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said the agency is aware of adverse reactions in a small amount of people who received the vaccine shots in Iowa, Colorado, Georgia and North Carolina. Those reactions include dizziness, light headedness, feeling faint and rapid breathing.
Johnson & Johnson said in a statement to the press that “there is no greater priority than the safety and well-being of the people we serve. When we receive reports of adverse events in individuals receiving our medicines and vaccines, we collect necessary information and carefully assess the events.”
The news was unfortunately timed with four serious cases of unusual clots accompanied by low blood platelets, one of which was fatal, that emerged after immunization with the Janssen shot in Europe. The EMA is currently reviewing the details.