Amid Concerns, Region Halts Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine
by Alex Lloyd Gross
There have been concerns about blood clotting after some people received the Johnson and Johnson COVID Vaccine. To be cautious, as word grew about this, many different vaccination site have shut down or curtailed the use.
In Bucks County, the Warwick Vaccination site was closed. In a statement issued by the county, it said, “Due to federal concerns over the J&J vaccine, Bucks County’s Warwick Square mass clinic is postponing all appointments scheduled there today. The county’s other four mass vax sites at Neshaminy Mall and the community colleges use only Pfizer vaccine, & will proceed as scheduled.”
Philadelphia Health Authorities issued a statement:: The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following a statement from the U.S. FDA regarding rare instances of blood clotting after receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The City and all partner clinics will not provide this vaccine until receiving further guidance.
People who have received the J&J vaccine, and who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination, should immediately contact their health care provider. Health care providers are asked to report adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System at https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html.
Center City Vaccination Center (FEMA-supported clinic at the Pennsylvania Convention Center)
Will be open today, April 13, at noon and administer the Pfizer vaccine. The clinic will continue with the Pfizer vaccine for the foreseeable future and will maintain the current 6,000 appointments and walk-ups per day.
Esperanza Community Vaccination Center (FEMA-supported clinic at Esperanza)
Will be closed today, April 13. Beginning tomorrow, April 14, the clinic will switch to Pfizer vaccine and will maintain the current 1,000 appointments and walk-ups per day.
Health Department Community Clinics and Health Centers
Will be open with normal hours and operations, but will not use Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Philadelphia Fire Department Community Clinics
Will be closed until at least Monday, April 19.
Health Department and Partner Mobile Teams
Will continue operating, but will not use Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Partner Vaccine Clinics (including Black Doctor’s COVID-19 Consortium, federally qualified health centers, independent and chain pharmacies, hospitals, etc.)
These clinics will move to Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if they are using Johnson & Johnson vaccine. If they are unable to use Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, they may close. Please call ahead if you have an appointment scheduled with them
Montgomery County is the same. To get an appointment there, go to https://www.montcopa.org/3660/COVID-19-Vaccine
New Jersey resident should go here fort he latest info.