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DOH pausing Johnson & Johnson doses in Washington while FDA conducts review

The Washington State Department of Health is pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine immediately following FDA concerns over clotting.

>> Coronavirus: US health agencies call for pause in use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine

The FDA and CDC paused use of the vaccine nationwide Tuesday while officials investigate blood clots reported in six individuals who received the vaccine. More than 6.8 million doses of the vaccine have been given in the U.S., the vast majority with no or mild side effects.

There have been six cases of rare blood clots in women between the ages of 18-48, all presenting symptoms within six to 13 days of receiving the dose. One case was fatal.

In a joint statement, the agencies said they are “recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution.”

The state DOH said that about 149,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered in Washington so far, out of more than four million total doses.

“At this time, we have no knowledge of the six patients who experienced these blood clots being Washington residents,” a release said.

The DOH said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide once the pause is reviewed.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan tweeted that anyone currently schedule to get a Johnson & Johnson vaccine will keep their appointment and instead get the Pfizer vaccine.

>> J&J vaccine pause: What should you do if you’ve already gotten the vaccine

The agencies are recommending that people who were given the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who are experiencing severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after receiving the shot contact their health care provider.

Johnson & Johnson said in a statement it was aware of the reports of blood clots, but that no link to its vaccine had been established. The company also said it is delaying the rollout of its vaccine in Europe as a precaution.