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U.S. Will Pause the Distribution of Johson and Johnson Vaccine After Blood Clotting Concerns

The U.S. Will Pause the Distribution of Johnson and Johnson Vaccine After Blood Clotting Concerns

Officially, the vaccine produced by Johnson and Johnson has been halted for an unknown amount of time. This vaccine is a one-dose vaccine that has been approved since Feb 27th, 2021. The vaccine is a one-dose vaccine that has a 60-80% effective rate depending on global location and virus type.

It is believed that nearly 7 million people have received the Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccine. Anther 9 million doses have already been sent out to all 50 states.

However, as of April 13th, the vaccine has been placed on hold due to 6 women who developed blood clots, including one that died.

The Food and Drug Administration announced the pause, saying that there have been a half dozen reports of a “rare and severe type of blood clot” in patients who received the J&J vaccine.

Additional to the blood clots, a low platelet count was seen, and this combination makes the typical treatment with Heparin – potentially dangerous.  Clearly, women appear at more of a risk than men, though this could change.

Patients who had a blood clot

1.)  Six women between the ages of 18 and 48.

2.)  Developed the blood clots in the first two weeks following vaccination.

3.)  One woman died

4.)  A second woman, in Nebraska, was hospitalized in critical condition.

5.)  A direct link has yet to be found between the vaccine and blood clots

The Pause

“We are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” the FDA said. “Treatment of this specific type of blood clot is different from the treatment that might typically be administered.”

The main concern at this point is if the immune system of these women triggered the response to both the clot and platelets.

Federal distribution channels, including mass vaccine sites, will pause the use of J&J vaccine and most states have followed suit.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are not affected by the pause.

The FDA added: “CDC will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday to further review these cases and assess their potential significance. Until that process is complete, we are recommending this pause. 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.”

What about the AstraZeneca Vaccine?

The J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines are both made with the same technology.

The AstraZeneca Vaccine is primarily found in Great Britain and other European countries.

Just last week, European regulators indicated that they might have found a possible link between the shots and a very rare type of blood clot that occurs together with low blood platelets, one that seems to affect younger people.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has not been granted approval in the United States.

The technology and process of vaccine production are different from one vaccine to another. However, J&J uses a human adenovirus to create its vaccine while AstraZeneca uses a chimpanzee version. These two companies and vaccines have similar technology.

What is a Blood Clot?

A Blood Clot is when the blood is no longer liquid and it changes to a semi-solid state. It could be a gel-like substance.

When you injure yourself, clotting material prevents you from bleeding forever. It turns into a scab and the healing process can begin. A blood clot, that is traveling through your veins or arteries is not an ideal thing.

It won’t always dissolve on its own and can become very dangerous and even life-threatening.

When the clot moves – it could go to the heart and get stuck. This would lead to a Heart Attack. If the clot moves and goes into the Brain – this could cause a Stroke.  Therefore, a known clot moving freely is dangerous and a medical emergency.

There are many risks and causes for a blood clot. In this article, we are talking about an increased risk with the J&J Vaccine. There are other medications, medical conditions, risks, and problems that can cause blood clots. The J&J Vaccine is not the only risk.

It is also important to know – according to the Mayo Clinic – COVID-19 can cause micro clots that block tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the Heart Muscle. This can lead to heart damage and more. Larger clots are less likely but still possible with COVID.

Check out this similar article related to blood clots alone:  What is the Real Risk of Blood Clots in Your Legs?

Are you at Risk?

Likely, the answer is no.

This side effect, so far, has affected 6 people out of 7 million, while the Coronavirus has killed more than 3 million globally.

All medications, medical treatments, and Vaccines have an associated risk. You must ask yourself – Does the risk outweigh the benefit? For most people – that answer is no. However, if you have a risk of blood clots, low platelets, and more, you probably should not take this vaccine.

You should be made aware of the risk and have the option to choose to go forward.

Likely, the pause will be limited for this vaccine, and it will again be able to be given to help treat and prevent COVID 19 from spreading.

A single dose option is ideal for smaller communities, rural communities, prisons, jails, and so much more.