The FDA Temporarily Stops Use Of Johnson & Johnson's Vaccine

The use of the Johnson and Johnson's vaccine has been temporarily stopped by the Food and Drug Administration. This order by the FDA was given to states after it was discovered that six women developed a rare blood-clotting condition which left one dead and another in a severe condition.

The women, who are aged between 18-16, developed symptoms about six to thirteen days after getting their vaccine shot. While that type of blood clot is common with heparin, doctors have noted that this is a totally different case that could be dangerous.

In a joint statement with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the FDA assured citizens not to panic as these events are extremely rare. They also reinstated that the COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority for the US government and they're were committed to taking all reports of health problems following vaccinations very seriously.

The vaccine company Johnson and Johnson released a statement to say that there hasn't been a clear causal relationship between the cases of blot clotting and the vaccine. It however added that it was working with regulators to analyze the information.

Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA's director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in a conference call on Tuesday, told reporters that only people who received the vaccine less than two weeks ago are at risk, as the symptoms normally occur a week after vaccination, averagely nine days. He clarified on the call that others who got their shot three weeks to a month ago have no reason to worry. 

"We know that for these vaccines, that for the first several days after vaccination, there are flu-like symptoms that can include headache. It would be more likely if someone presented to an emergency room with a very severe headache or blood clots, that a history of vaccination is elicited, and a plan of care put in place. If the patient also has low platelets, doctors should consider that it may be caused by the vaccine."

Dr. Anne Schuchat, who is the deputy director of the CDC, also said on the call that people who were vaccinated in the past week should take note of any symptoms.

She said, "For people who recently got the vaccine within the last couple of weeks, they should be aware to look for any symptoms. If you've received the vaccine and developed severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath, you should contact your healthcare provider and seek medical treatment."