RI Halts J&J Coronavirus Vaccine Following Federal Recommendation

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Health ordered a pause in Johnson & Johnson vaccine distribution Tuesday morning, a move that comes hours after the federal government recommended a pause after reports of women developing blood clots after the shot.

"No information reported to RIDOH has indicated that Johnson & Johnson vaccine represents a health or safety concern," the department said. "However, RIDOH is taking this step in alignment with federal partners."

All of the women were between 18 and 48 years old. One woman died and one is in critical condition.

The Food & Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday morning the pause is "important, in part, to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot."

The Rhode Island Department of Health said the decision was made "as federal partners continue gathering more information."

No appointments were scheduled to be added for the single-dose vaccine in the state Tuesday, the department said. Health care providers were directed not to administer doses to residents with appointments scheduled for the single-dose shot going forward. More information will be announced for Rhode Islanders who already had an appointment on the books, the department said.