Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Use To Resume In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine use will resume at the Alexandria Health Department after the review by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration.

The Virginia Department of Health directed vaccine providers to once again use the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine after the CDC and FDA recommended the pause be lifted. The CDC and FDA recommended a pause on April 13 after six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. The CDC and FDA review concluded on April 23, leading Virginia and other states to resume use. As of Friday, cases of rare blood clots were up to 15 out of nearly 8 million vaccine doses given as of April 21.

Use of the vaccine is recommended to resume based on the FDA and CDC finding the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19, the vaccine's benefits outweighing known and potential risks in people 18 and older, and data showing a low chance of blood clots and low platelets (thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome). The FDA and CDC will continue to investigate this risk.

The Alexandria Health Department plans to offer appointments for the J&J vaccine at clinics in the coming weeks. Those previously scheduled for the J&J vaccine who have not rescheduled can do so with the appointment token they received.

When scheduling an appointment, vaccine options at each vaccination event are listed so residents can choose based on their preferences. However, the health department recommends residents choose the first vaccine available and not give preference to one vaccine manufacturer over another.

As with any vaccine, individuals who will receive the J&J vaccine are encouraged to review the FDA's fact sheet on the vaccine to learn about potential side effects.

Alexandria and the rest of Virginia are in phase 2 of vaccinations, which means anyone 16 and older is eligible. The J&J and Moderna vaccines are only authorized for people 18 and older, while the Pfizer vaccine is allowed for ages 16 and older. Eligible residents can visit www.alexandriava.gov/Vaccines for more information. For help preregistering, contact the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 703-746-4988.