Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Use To Resume In Fairfax

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine use will resume at Fairfax County vaccination sites once doses are available, according to the county's health department.

The Virginia Department of Health directed vaccine providers to once again use the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine after a review by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration.

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.

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.

Even as the J&J vaccine was paused, it had a minimal impact at the Fairfax County Health Department, which has largely been using the Pfizer vaccine. The health department said no appointments would be affected.

The Fairfax Health District is 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 should visit vaccinefinder.org to find vaccine providers. The Fairfax Health District includes Fairfax County, cities of Falls Church and Fairfax, and towns of Vienna, Herndon, and Clifton.