KENT, Ohio — Following a recommendation from the FDA and CDC, officials at Kent State University and the University of Akron announced Tuesday morning they are pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
KENT STATE
“Kent State clinics scheduled to distribute the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at all locations are postponed until further notice,” according to a notice distributed by KSU officials. “The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was provided to Kent State and other universities by the state of Ohio as part of an effort to vaccinate college students before summer break.”
Anybody who had an appointment for a vaccination at one of the Kent State clinics is asked to schedule an appointment for a different brand – either Moderna or Pfizer – at a different location. You can do so using Ohio’s “Get the Shot” site HERE.
UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
"The university was administering the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but will pause following the occurrence of extremely rare blood-clotting events involving six people in the United States after receiving the vaccine," UA officials said in a press release.
Students who have already scheduled appointments to receive the vaccine at University of Akron clinics on April 14-15 will receive an e-mail with additional information.
"Anyone who has received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and develops severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider," UA's statement advises.
The University of Akron will communicate updated plans for resuming vaccination clinics as more information becomes available.
FDA'S RECOMMENDATION
The FDA and CDC issued a joint statement earlier Tuesday to address their pause recommendation because of rare blood clots, which happened in six women within six to 13 days after vaccination. The issue was also discussed at length during a joint press conference, which you can explore in the player below:
"Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare," the FDA said. "This is important to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot."
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has also advised all vaccine providers throughout the state to “temporarily pause” administering the J&J shot.