Atlantic County Halts Homebound J&J Shots Amid Vaccine Pause

ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — Atlantic County is halting their homebound vaccine program amid the state’s pause of Johnson & Johnson inoculations.

“As per federal and state guidance we will not be administering any more J&J vaccine for the time being,” said Public Information Officer Linda Gilmore.

Atlantic County received 500 doses of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine last month, which public health nurses have been administering to recipients of the county's home delivered meal program.

County officials suspended the program in response to the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and the federal Food and Drug Administration, after six six women who received them developed blood clots.

The state also issued guidance that put a pause on all J&J vaccinations in New Jersey on Tuesday.

"All New Jersey vaccination sites have been told to cancel or put on hold appointments for the J&J vaccine until further notice. For individuals scheduled to receive the J&J vaccine, the Department will work with all vaccination sites to make arrangements for the administration of an alternative two-dose vaccine. We will work with all sites, as needed, to reschedule vaccination appointments," said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.

The Atlantic City Mega-Site has paused administration of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine as of Tuesday. The mega-site will offer the Pfizer vaccine to eligible recipients until further notice.

Residents still in need of help booking an appointment can call the state’s COVID-19 call center, which is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week at 855-568-0545.

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