To air on the side of caution, this morning the federal government recommended temporarily pausing use of the J & J vaccine. An exceedingly rare blood clot condition had occurred in six cases of women who had been vaccinated with the J & J vaccine. All women were between the ages of 18 and 48 and had been previously diagnosed with low platelet levels. Their symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination.
Although these side effects are extremely rare, the FDA and CDC recommends that people who have received the J & J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider promptly. A mild headache, fatigue, and low grade fever are common side effects to any of the vaccines.
We want all our patients to feel safe. If you have any questions, please reach out to your provider via MyChart.
Please note: Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are being offered as available at FHCHC and in New Haven. Neither of those vaccines have been associated with any blood clot or other concerns.