Wonk Report
FDA & CDC Call For Immediate Pause In Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations
By Michael Czarnecki
(Washington, DC) -- The FDA and CDC are recommending an immediate pause in the distribution of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine due to concerns about rare blood clots. Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock told reporters the recommendation was made out of an abundance of caution. She said the federal health agencies want more time to review the data. Six women developed blood clots a week or two after they were vaccinated. Woodcock called the cases extremely rare. One woman died and another is in critical condition.
The FDA's Dr. Peter Marks said there are no such concerns with the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. J&J is providing the only single-dose vaccine. CDC Deputy Director Anne Schuchat said the safety of vaccines and the safety of the American people is an issue of utmost importance to federal health officials. To those who have received the J&J vaccine, she said the risks are "very low." For those who have recently received a J&J shot, Schuchat said serious side effects should immediately be reported to the patient's personal physician.