Federal Government Recommends Halt on Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations
The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control earlier today called for a pause to the release of Johnson & Johnson vaccinations for COVID-19 after younger women who received the vaccine developed blood clots within two weeks of receiving a shot.
Oberlin distributed nearly 600 doses of the vaccine to students, faculty, and staff during the four-day clinic that ran Friday through Monday. No one in that group has reported serious, extended side effects from the shots, and incidence rates indicate that it would be unusual for someone vaccinated at the clinic to develop blood clots or other serious complications.
Across the country, the incidence of blood clots is rare. Six cases out of more than 6.8 million doses administered occurred in women between the ages of 18-48 within 6 to 13 days of vaccination.
Still, this is a matter of concern. The CDC recommends that those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and develop any of the following symptoms within three weeks contact a health care provider: headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath.
Oberlin is in contact with the Lorain County Public Health department, the Ohio Department of Health and Mercy-Allen Hospital staff, who administered the vaccine on campus. Anyone who develops symptoms should contact the Mercy-Allen emergency department at 200 W. Lorain St., at 440-775-1211. Please notify Campus Safety if symptoms are severe at 440-775-8444.
Oberlin is coordinating with Lorain County Public Health and state officials to determine the status of the remaining vaccine on campus.
