About 6.8 million Americans have received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, which federal health officials on Tuesday asked states to pause after six women in the U.S. developed serious blood clots within about two weeks of their vaccinations.
“It’s an exceedingly rare side effect. But a very concerning one,” said Dr. Warner Greene, a senior investigator with the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco. Greene and other vaccine experts added that the benefits of the Johnson & Johnson shot almost certainly still outweigh the rare risk of a blood clot or stroke.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said that “out of an abundance of caution” California would follow the recommendation by CDC and FDA officials. The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been accounting for a steadily greater share of California’s fully completed coronavirus vaccinations — about 10% of a total of 8.5 million so far, up from 2% on March 15, according to the Los Angeles Times coronavirus tracker. Pfizer accounts for 48% and Moderna for 41%.
Federal health officials said in a briefing Tuesday that for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than a month ago, the risk of severe complications is very low. However, they said those vaccinated within the last three weeks should be aware to look for the following symptoms:
• Severe headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Leg pain
• Shortness of breath
If any of those symptoms occur, they should contact a health provider and seek assistance.
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