Minnesota has joined many other states in pausing administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine while a review is underway of some very rare instances of blood clots.
Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the pause after six women developed a rare and severe type of blood clot.
More than 184,000 Minnesotans have received the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine, and so far, there haven’t been any similar reports of blood clots in the state.
Here’s Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm in a recent press conference.
“Any Minnesotans who have had the J&J vaccine, if you have a severe headache, abdominal pain, etc within 3 weeks of getting the vaccine, we want you to check it out with your healthcare provider,” said Malcolm.
Jan Malcolm says further information from federal officials is expected within days, not weeks.
Minnesotans with an appointment for the J&J vaccine are advised to look out for notifications from their provider on canceling, postponing or rescheduling.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 community coordinators, working with the state’s health department, continue efforts to get vaccine information and other resources to the state’s diverse communities, including help with transportation, housing and language barriers during the pandemic.
Virtual Indigenous Film Series