[Mendhamtwpwebupdates] J&J Vaccination Pause Will Not Impact Monday’s Vaccine Eligibility Expansion

Last week, the State of New Jersey temporarily paused the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine upon recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/JJU… and the Food and Drug Administration. The CDC and the FDA are reviewing the data involving six reported cases in women between the ages of 18 and 48 who received the J&J vaccine. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets. In these cases, symptoms occurred six to 13 days after vaccination. Both the CDC and FDA have said that these adverse events are extremely rare, as there have been nearly seven million doses of the J&J vaccine administered nationwide. Prior to this pause, NJ had administered just over 244,000 doses of the J&J vaccine, which includes 47,266 women in that age group, and no similar adverse effects have been reported. If you received the J&J vaccine within the last three weeks, no matter your age, and you experience leg pain, abdominal discomfort or pain, shortness of breath or a severe headache, please call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital to be assessed. All vaccine sites in NJ have taken J&J vaccine doses out of inventory and will not use them until further federal guidance is provided. Additionally, the state has requested that vaccination sites develop alternative plans for any already-scheduled J&J vaccine appointments. Thankfully, most sites in our state receive a mix of vaccine types, so many are able to switch to either Pfizer or Moderna for appointments. The state is encouraging residents to keep their vaccine appointments for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine, which have been demonstrated to be safe and effective. Unfortunately, due to the pause of the administration of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, Morris County had to temporarily suspend its homebound vaccination program which commenced during the week of April 5th. The County hopes to resume homebound vaccinations once approval is granted by the CDC, FDA, and NJDOH. Additionally, this pause will not affect Monday’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expansion to all individuals 16 and over. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and take care. Sarah Neibart Mayor, Mendham Township