Rhode Island To Resume Johnson And Johnson Coronavirus Vaccine

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island will resume use of the single-dose Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine this week, the Department of Health announced Monday night. The decision comes a few days after the federal government lifted its temporary pause on the vaccine due to concerns over extremely rare, but seriously blood clots.

"This pause in the administration of Johnson & Johnson vaccine demonstrates that we have rigorous safety systems in place, and those systems work," Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott said. "We will continue to monitor both the safety and the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine."

The pause came April 13 after six women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed serious blood clots after getting the single-dose vaccine. One woman died. Although the issue was extremely rare — just six cases out of the approximately 7 million doses administered in the country — the Food and Drug Administration called for the pause to allow the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to review the issue.

During the pause, Rhode Island health care providers were given updated information about cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, or CVST, the rare but serious blood clotting issue. Although it is incredibly unlikely, FDA and Centers For Disease recommended that anyone who develops a severe headache, shortness of breath or leg or abdominal pain contact their health care provider immediately.

"Following this review, the CDC and the FDA determined that the vaccine’s benefits outweigh any potential risks, and that it is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19," RIDOH reassured Rhode Islanders.

To date, about 31,000 J&J doses have been administered in Rhode Island, with no reports of adverse side effects. Given the extremely rare nature of the serious side effects and the relatively low number of doses, the likelihood of such clots happening in the state is extremely low, Alexander-Scott said at the beginning of the pause.

"We continue to see that COVID-19 vaccine is preventing cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities in Rhode Island," she said Monday. "Everyone older than 16 years of age is now eligible to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe when it comes to COVID-19."

Appointments for the J&J vaccine will become available on the state-run VaccinateRI portal this week, along with other channels such as Walgreens and CVS. The vaccine is currently only open to people at least 18 years old.