Giving themselves runway to perform all appropriate due diligence, the FDA and CDC have called for a temporary pause in the use of the J&J vaccine.
Their diligence will analyze the cases of six U.S. women who developed very rare blood clots after receiving the J&J vaccine. Nearly seven million people have received this vaccine to-date in the U.S.
How the Nerdies are processing the news:
✔️ Our MINDS take great comfort in the reminder that this is an exceedingly rare occurrence. As vaccine expert Paul Offit reassures: “You have a greater chance of being in a car accident on the way to getting this vaccine than you have of having a problem from this vaccine.”
💔 While our HEARTS go out to the six women and their families.
🙏 We honor the importance of taking a PURPOSEFUL PAUSE at both the micro level – as individuals exposed to scary headlines – and at the macro level – as scientists grateful for the FDA and CDC’s care and deliberation.
We remain your steadfast nerds on the information frontlines and promise to report out as the story unfolds. The key federal advisory committee meets tomorrow (Wednesday, April 13). This is an emerging story and we expect updates.
As always, we encourage you to speak to your primary care clinician with any specific clinical concerns (please see related FDA/CDC guidance below).
With love,
Your Nerdy Girls
REFERENCES
Stat News’ excellent overview piece (includes Dr. Offit’s quote above)
Clinical notes:
All six events happened in women ages 18-48. All happened within three weeks post-vaccination. The pause is specific to the J&J vaccine, and not the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
In a joint announcement, the two agencies advised: “People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider”
