Health departments across Illinois are pausing administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine.
The FDA and CDC recommended states hold off on distributing the shot after 6 women who received the vaccine developed a rare blood clotting disorder. Nearly 7 million people in the US have received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine so far. Jackson County Health Department administrator Bart Hagston said the blood clotting disorder is extremely rare, and those who have had the vaccine more than three weeks ago shouldn’t be worried.
“If you have had it within the last 3 weeks and you are experiencing conditions like severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath, then you should contact your healthcare provider,” Hagston said.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are still being distributed. Hagston said people should not delay getting vaccinated, as this issue has not been seen in the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
