What you need to know about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause

On April 13, the FDA and CDC recommended to temporarily pause the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to an extremely rare, adverse reaction that causes blood clots. More than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were administered across the U.S. and six women experienced blood clots days after receiving their vaccine. While the FDA and CDC investigate what may have caused this reaction, both agencies noted that this measure is being taken out of an abundance of caution. 

With many questions still remaining, SingleCare asked its Chief Pharmacy Officer, Ramzi Yacoub, Pharm.D., to shed light on what this pause means to the public and to those who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the past month. 

What are the side effects of the  Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine?

Dr. Ramzi Yacoub: If you received a Johnson and Johnson vaccine within the last month, you should monitor your side effects over the next 21 days. Experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, and injection side pain are all typical side effects of the vaccine. However, if you experience shortness of breath, severe headache, and/or leg and abdominal pain, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately. To date, there have been only six cases of 6.8 million vaccinated; and those cases were reported to have affected females between the ages of 18-49. So while these side effects are extremely rare—affecting about 1 in a million—it’s worth monitoring. 

I had a Johnson & Johnson appointment, and it’s been canceled. What do I do now?

Dr. Yacoub: As of now, the FDA has said this recommended pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccines is temporary, perhaps only a few days. If you have an appointment for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine that’s been canceled, check with your vaccine provider to see if they can offer you either the Moderna of Pfizer vaccine instead. 

I had a Johnson & Johnson appointment that hasn’t been canceled should I still take it? 

Dr. Yacoub: If you have a Johnson & Johnson appointment that hasn’t been canceled, talk with your doctor or healthcare provider. Together, you can make the determination to keep your appointment or switch to receive a different vaccine. 

Should I be concerned with the other vaccines available? 

Dr. Yacoub: Consumers should continue to have confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines as nearly 200 million Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been administered to date with no major side effects. 

Should I be concerned if I already got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

Dr. Yacoub: This reaction is extremely rare. However, if you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the last 21 days, and especially if you are female between the ages of 18 to 49, you should monitor for symptoms and watch for shortness of breath, severe headache, and pain in your legs or abdominal region. If you experience any these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical help. 

What are the general side effects of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine? 

Dr. Yacoub: Common side effects for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine include injection site pain, muscle aches, fatigue, fever, chills, nausea, and headache. 

How will pausing Johnson & Johnson impact the overall vaccine rollout in the U.S.?

Dr. Yacoub: This is yet to be determined and is dependent on the FDA’s review of this vaccine. To date, roughly 5% of vaccines administered have been with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Pfizer and Moderna are both on track to meet the Biden Administration’s goal to have enough vaccines for every U.S. adult by the end of May.

Should I be concerned about getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine if it becomes available again?

Dr. Yacoub: Once the FDA has completed its review of the vaccine and it’s determined to be safe, I believe consumers should feel very confident receiving the vaccine.