With its vaccination rollout in full swing, the United States is on the road to recovery. Three top-tier companies have been administering their vaccines to residents of the U.S and the process seemed to be going relatively smoothly until this past Monday, when the Johnson and Johnson vaccine paused its supply.
This decision came soon after a few cases of blood clots were discovered amongst receivers of the vaccine. The aforementioned symptoms were noticed in women who fall under the 18-48 age bracket. According to the Food and Drug Administration Authority, six rare cases were reported; out of which one died, while another is still fighting for their life.
For people who have been given the Johnson and Johnson shot in the last month, the FDA declared that there is no reason for receivers of this vaccine to panic, until and unless they experience unusual symptoms. In a White House briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Faucci reiterated what the FDA had stated: “There is little reason to feel anxious. “However, if people have received a dose in the last week, they must practice caution and effectively monitor their symptoms at all times.
The data given by the CDC suggests that this vaccine has developed an unusual kind of blood clot that is known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. It works in a manner where the clot drains the remaining blood from the brain, resulting in a low platelet count in the patient.
There are a few common symptoms that signify a bigger problem at hand. These can be in the form of severe headaches, incessant abdominal and leg pain, and a shortage of breath. According to the CDC, if any of these symptoms are experienced by receivers of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, they should visit the hospital immediately.
It is important to highlight that the chance to face such an adverse reaction to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is incredibly rare: Out of 7 million people who have received this shot, only six blood clot cases have emerged. However, there are always exceptions and hence, receivers of this vaccine need to monitor their symptoms.
For now, at least, the supply of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine has been halted. As stated by Stella Kyriakides, the EU Commissioner for Food and Safety: “Vaccine safety is always paramount.” She tweeted this statement on Twitter along with the news of pausing the rollout of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine-all for the health and safety of people.
