South Dakota will temporarily stop the use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine after federal regulating agencies issued a statement concerned about blood clots.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration issued a joint statement recommending a temporary pause in its use after six reported cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in women in the US after receiving the vaccine.
State Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon says out of an abundance of caution, and until they know more on the reported cases, all vaccinators across the state will follow the CDC’s and FDA’s recommendations, and pause all administration of the J&J vaccine until further notice. She says the department remains confident all those who’ve already received the J&J shot have no reason for immediate concern but encourage residents to speak with their medical providers should concerns arise.
Malsam-Rysdon says as of today (April 13, 2021), 15,743 South Dakotans have received the J&J vaccine and no adverse cases have been identified in the state. She says according to the statement by the CDC and FDA, any adverse events ‘appear to be rare’ and those affected would experience ‘severe headache(s), abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination.
To get the latest state COVID-19 data, visit the South Dakota Department of Health website dashboard.
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