Norwalk Halts Johnson & Johnson Coronavirus Vaccinations

NORWALK, CT — The city is temporarily pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, following the recommendations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over blood clotting concerns, Norwalk officials announced.

Over the past few weeks, the Norwalk Health Department has administered roughly 750 single-dose J&J vaccines out of nearly 9,000 total vaccines given, and Mayor Harry Rilling said that "there have been no severe side effects reported from any of the shots administered."

"People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider," Rilling said.

Of 6.8 million people in the U.S. who have received the J&J vaccine, six individuals have developed a rare and severe type of blood clot within two weeks of receiving their vaccine, and one has died, according to health officials.

The state Department of Health said that roughly 100,000 Connecticut residents have
received the J&J vaccine with no reported serious adverse effects.

Norwalk and other communities are pausing use of the J&J vaccine "out of an abundance of caution," while city officials await more guidance from federal and state officials.

Norwalk Health Department vaccine clinics this week, including Wednesday at Bow Tie Cinemas, will continue uninterrupted; the Moderna vaccine will be administered.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including how to cancel or reschedule an
appointment, visit norwalkct.org/vaccine.