Sparta pharmacies respond to issues with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement suggesting that all administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the popular “one and done” shot, be paused. On April 13, the Tennessee Department of Health released a statement saying they would be following the guidance that came from both the CDC as well as from the Food and Drug Administration.
“Our vaccine supply continues to surpass demand, and we do not anticipate this shift will impact our efforts to vaccinate as many Tennesseans as possible,” the TDH added in their released statement. “We continue to monitor the situation closely.”
Reports of serious adverse effects after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are rare. However, after six cases out of nearly seven million doses administered resulted in what are being described as “rare but serious blood clots,” the TDH is taking necessary precautions and coordinating with vaccine providers that may have the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in supply to ensure residents of Tennessee who are seeking a vaccine have access to vaccines manufactured by either Pfizer or Moderna.
“Both vaccines are highly effective at preventing COVID-19 after 14 days from the second vaccine dose,” the TDH reminded Tennesseans. “Both doses are required to achieve the best protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.”
