State Health officials report no issues connected to J&J COVID-19 vaccine in state

The state Department of Health this week joined in the pause of the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.  

State Epidemiologist Dr. Josh Clayton said the blood clot issues connected to the vaccine are very rare.

State Health Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon said this pause will allow healthcare providers time to recognize and diagnose patients and report any cases related to the vaccine.  She said that those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine recently should monitor for any adverse reactions.

Malsam-Rysdon said that getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the main way for people to protect themselves against hospitalization and death in particular from the coronavirus. 

She said the state is a leader in vaccination efforts.  So far, 51-percent of the state’s population have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 37-percent have completed their vaccination series.Â