San Diego County Resumes Use Of Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — San Diego County is resuming COVID-19 vaccinations with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, county officials announced Monday.

The county paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine earlier this month while federal officials reviewed cases in which women between the ages of 18 and 59 developed a "rare and severe type of blood clot" after receiving the single-dose vaccine.

Following a safety review, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that the pause should be lifted and that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks.

Of more than 7.9 million doses administered nationally, there have been at least a dozen reported cases of the blood clot, known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, seen in combination with low blood platelet levels, according to the California Department of Public Health. These symptoms occur six to 13 days after vaccination.

"We are confident that this vaccine continues to meet our standards for safety, effectiveness and quality," Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said. "We recommend people with questions about which vaccine is right for them have those discussions with their health care provider."

According to the county, women under the age of 50 "should be aware of the rare but increased risk of blood clots after vaccination with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine." Those with concerns were advised to talk with their health care providers about other options.

The county currently has about 12,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine available and will offer them at mobile vaccination sites and walk-up vaccine pods. The single-dose vaccine will also be used to vaccinate homebound individuals and agricultural workers who are often more difficult to reach for a second dose, according to the county.