County Health Departments resume Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines in SW Oklahoma

Effective immediately, Oklahoma health officials will resume use of the Johnson & Johnson/Jansen COVID-19 vaccine. The decision comes after the CDC and FDA lifted a pause on the vaccine due to an occurrence of rare blood clotting responses in six Americans.

“We want to keep as many Oklahomans free from COVID and out of the hospital as possible, and the J&J vaccine will help us get through this pandemic. This extra scrutiny should instill confidence in the system that is in place to guarantee COVID-19 vaccine safety,” said District 5 Regional Director Brandie Combs.

“District 5 health departments in Southwest Oklahoma have an ample amount of the three different vaccines and will have them available at all of their sites to include 35 walk-in clinics scheduled for this week. The calendar of vaccine locations for the week can be found on the health department’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ComancheCountyHealthDepartment.

“When we originally paused administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, it was unclear whether the rare blood clotting reaction that spurred the pause was directly linked to the vaccine. After analyzing the occurrences, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has identified a link between the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the potential adverse reaction of blood clotting but has deemed it extremely uncommon. They have identified 15 cases of the occurrence among nearly 8 million total doses administered.

“Those who receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will also be issued a warning explaining the potential for rare side effects. The CDC says federal and state health officials should fully utilize the single-dose vaccine, which is easier than others to ship and store.

“Each day, more Oklahomans are becoming fully vaccinated. After the administration of tens of millions of doses across the country, COVID-19 vaccines are shown to be overwhelmingly safe. We will continue to take all the proper precautions to prioritize the health and safety of all Oklahomans. We need to use every tool available to stop the spread of this virus and encourage all Oklahomans to continue receiving the vaccine to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.”