OHA directs pause in distribution of Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
North Central Public Health District is pausing distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with state guidance. A scheduled Johnson & Johnson clinic this Friday, April 16, in Sherman County will continue with the Moderna vaccine instead.
NCPHD is contacting everyone scheduled for the Sherman County clinic to communicate that information to them. The clinic is being held at the same time and location, and all appointments are still at the same time. Appointments for the second dose of the Moderna vaccine will be made at the clinic. Anyone with questions can call NCPHD at 541-506-2600.
The Oregon Health Authority directed vaccine providers to pause Johnson & Johnson distribution after the FDA and CDC this morning recommended a pause after six cases of a rare type of blood clotting disorder combined with low levels of blood platelets were reported among the nearly seven million people who have received the vaccine.
The pause was called to allow an independent federal vaccine advisory committee to review the matter on Wednesday, and to also make healthcare providers aware of the rare clotting disorder. It can be dangerous to use the typical blood clotting treatment on this rare disorder and alternative treatments need to be given.
(For more information, please visit COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon, contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600 or visit us on the web at www.ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.)