Loudoun County Pauses Administering J&J Coronavirus Vaccines

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The Loudoun County Health Department will pause its use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, the department announced on Tuesday. The halt follows a recommendation from the CDC that was published on Tuesday morning.

Loudoun County was planning to deliver the J&J vaccine to 2,84o people at its vaccination clinic at Dulles Town Center on Saturday, April 17. Those who had appointments for the J&J vaccine on Saturday will receive the Pfizer vaccine instead.

More than 6.8 million J&J vaccines have been administered across the country, according to the CDC. Of the 6.8 million people who have received the vaccine, six people developed blood clots.

"Everyone who is impacted by this unanticipated change will be contacted directly by the Health Department to be informed about the change in vaccine," the Loudoun County Health Department said in a news release. "And to provide instructions for canceling or rescheduling their appointment should they choose to do so."

The health department encouraged all residents who had an appointment for the J&J vaccine on Saturday to keep their appointments and accept the Pfizer vaccine instead.

They also noted that anyone who has already received the J&J vaccine does not need to receive another vaccine. "The vaccine will provide protection against COVID-19," the health department noted.

"The CDC and FDA have emphasized that the possible side effect from the J&J vaccine is extremely rare," the health department said. "People who have already received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider."

Medical professionals are required by law to report certain events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

Read more: VA Plans Vaccines For Children, Students Before Summer: Northam

The Loudoun County Health Department will continue their vaccination efforts using the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. Further guidance from the CDC and FDA regarding the J&J vaccine is expected in the coming days.

To register for the vaccine, residents should sign up for the state's pre-registration list. Anyone can pre-register for the vaccine, regardless of their current eligibility. The Loudoun County Health Department pulls from the state's list to schedule vaccine appointments.

People without internet access can call the state's vaccine hotline at 877-829-4682.