Keeping in line with federal recommendations, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is putting the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine on hold.
The FDA and CDC asked that use of the vaccine be paused while they investigate six cases of blood clots that occurred in patients after being vaccinated. These cases were reported about two weeks after initial vaccination, and none of them were in Kansas.
“Just as important as getting vaccines into arms — is making sure those vaccines are safe,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While this appears to have affected six people in the nearly seven million doses administered, out of an abundance of caution, Kansas will suspend Johnson and Johnson until the CDC and FDA clear it for use again. In the meantime, we anticipate our shipments of Pfizer and Moderna to continue and we will build on the one-third of Kansans who have already received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Providers with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are being asked to put the doses in storage and wait for further guidance.
If you had an appointment to get the Johnson & Johnson shot through Sedgwick County, you will be offered the Pfizer vaccine instead.
Reno County canceled a vaccine clinic that had been planned for Wednesday.
If you’ve recently had the J&J vaccine, you’re urged to contact your doctor if you appear to have any reaction from the shot. Symptoms potentially tied to these rare blood clots include headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, and shortness of breath.
