CDC & FDA Issue Recommendation to Pause Administration of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
On April 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced they are currently reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Out of an abundance of caution, they have recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as they review this data. With more than 6.85 million vaccine doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered in the U.S. as of April 12, COVID-19 vaccine safety remains a top national priority.
Currently, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare and are being further evaluated to ensure vaccine safety. People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and develop severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pains or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their healthcare provider or seek medical attention. Providers should report all adverse events following any vaccination to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) at vaers.hhs.gov.
We encourage our provider partners to visit the CDC's COVID-19 Resource website for the latest information about the vaccines. Providers can also find further information about this particular recommendation in the CDC's Health Alert.
WellCare continues to work in close partnership with state, local and federal authorities to serve and protect our members and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including ensuring that our providers have relevant and up-to-date information. We value your partnership during these unprecedented times.
This guidance is in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and may be retired at a future date.
