Westchester To Swap Moderna Coronavirus Vaccine During J&J Pause

WHITE PLAINS, NY — The Westchester County Department of Health has suspended use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine pending further safety information after the CDC and FDA recommended a halt in the use out of an abundance of caution.

According to a statement from the department of health, all appointments for Johnson & Johnson vaccines today at New York State mass vaccination sites will be honored by the State with the Pfizer vaccine. The county vaccination locations and field vaccinators will be utilizing the Moderna vaccine until further notice.

“While the CDC and the FDA have reported that six people who received the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine developed a rare blood clotting disorder within about three weeks of vaccination, it is important to remember that any adverse events related to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine 'appear to be extremely rare,' " the county statement said. "It is not known if the blood clotting disorder was caused by the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or other factors. An estimated 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered so far, suggesting the disorder is extremely rare, affecting fewer than one in a million recipients.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have said that people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, “who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider,” the county said.

SEE ALSO: Feds: Pause Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine In NY, Elsewhere