Update on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine administration

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends ending the pause of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine and adding a warning label about a rare but dangerous blood clot issue.
A CDC panel reviewed cases of the rare disorder – a total of 15 out of nearly 8 million doses given. The cases all occurred in women, most between ages 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after they received the vaccination. The CDC recommends that people who have 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.
Doctors acknowledge the seriousness of the clotting disorder, but given that it is exceedingly rare, consider the benefits of the vaccine to be greater than the risk.
The J&J vaccine is among three that have been approved for use in the United States, Pfizer and Moderna being the others. Those two use a different medical technology. Providers urge people to get whatever vaccine is available to them to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.
“We suggest everyone who is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine make a plan to get one,” said Senior Executive Medical Director Drew Oliveira. “The vaccines are highly effective and save lives. As more people get fully vaccinated, we get closer to resuming the things we enjoy, like gathering with friends and family.”
Your state health department will be your best source of information about where you can get vaccinated. Or you can visit vaccinefinder.org
Vaccinations are covered at no cost under most health plans. Sign in at regence.com to verify your coverage or call us at the number on the back of your member ID card. We’re here to help.