Burlington County To Contact Those Who Got J&J Vaccine Amid Pause

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Burlington County is contacting the roughly 1,000 residents who were vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, and has paused its use of the vaccine based on recommendations from the federal government, county officials said Tuesday.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday because of blood-clot concerns. Read more here: Feds: Pause Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine In NJ, Elsewhere

“The Health Department had a limited supply of J&J vaccine, which was being used to vaccinate homebound residents and other vulnerable populations, such as people without homes, families in domestic violence shelters and elderly in underserved communities,” Burlington County Health Director Dr. Herb Conaway said. “Those activities have been suspended while the department awaits further guidance from national and state health authorities.”

About 1,000 Burlington County residents have already been vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, Conaway said. The county will be contacting those residents to alert them of the situation and to advise them to seek a medical evaluation if they show symptoms.

The symptoms associated with the blood clots include severe headaches, leg pain, abdominal pain or shortness of breath within three weeks of being vaccinated. Federal officials have said these are not the same symptoms felt by most people in the days after they are vaccinated.

“Currently, the Health Department is not aware of any adverse reactions from Burlington County residents or workers who received the vaccine,” Conaway said. “The pause is precautionary and will allow the CDC to review all available information and make recommendations for vaccine use going forward. It is our hope that the pause will not impact residents’ confidence in COVID-19 vaccinations.

“COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and the best weapon we have to bringing an end to the pandemic. This pause is out of an abundance of caution and shows the process is working to review all potentially adverse effects of vaccination.”

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Vaccine eligibility is determined by the Governor. Those currently eligible for vaccination include:

• Individuals age 55+
• Individuals age 16-54 with certain medical conditions
• Individuals age 16-54 with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Childcare workers in licensed and registered settings
• Clergy
• Communications, IT, and media workers
• Educators and staff, including pre-K to 12 and higher education
• Eldercare and support workers
• Elections personnel
• First responders
• Healthcare workers
• Hospitality workers
• Individuals experiencing homelessness and those living in shelters
• Judicial system workers
• Laundry services workers
• Librarians and library support staff
• Long-term care and high-risk congregate care facility residents and staff
• Medical supply chain employees
• Members of tribal communities
• Migrant farm workers
• Postal and shipping service workers
• Public safety workers
• Real estate, building, and home services workers
• Retail financial institution workers
• Sanitation workers
• Social service workers and support staff
• Transportation workers
• Utilities workers
• Warehousing and logistics workers

To keep up with the latest vaccination news, visit Patch's New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccination Information Hub.

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