The Arizona Department of Health Services today announced it is recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
The move comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration reported 6 cases of a rare, severe type of blood clot in some individuals who received the J&J vaccine. All 6 cases were women between the ages of 18 and 48. One person died. So far, in Arizona, more than 226 thousand Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been allotted, with approximately 122 thousand administered. ADHS is working with local public health departments and community partners to communicate the halting of the vaccine. Providers may still administer the J & J vaccine if they feel it’s clinically appropriate after discussion it with their patient.