West
Virginia University (including
WVU Tech) will pause administration of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19
vaccine based on a joint
recommendation released today (April 13) from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. Out of
more than 6.8 million doses administered in the U.S., six reported cases of a
rare and severe blood clot in individuals who have received the J&J vaccine
are being monitored.
“The finding of abnormal blood clotting is extremely rare in citizens receiving
the J&J vaccine, and in response to FDA and CDC guidance, and acting out of
a great amount of caution, we will pause vaccinations with the J&J product
for now," Dr. Clay Marsh,
vice president and executive dean of WVU Health Sciences and West
Virginia’s Coronavirus Czar, said. "The fact that CDC and FDA are acting
out of caution for 6 clotting episodes in 6.8 million doses given should
reassure West Virginia residents that we are watching any and all associated
findings in those vaccinated to make sure safety is our priority.”
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is convening a meeting
on Wednesday to further review these cases and assess their potential
significance. Until that process is complete, WVU will pause in the use of the
J&J vaccine on all campuses out of an abundance of caution. WVU Tech has
already reached out via email to students who previously had J&J
appointments for Wednesday’s clinic to reschedule for Moderna doses based on
availability.
WVU Tech administered 122 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine during a
clinic held on Wednesday, April 7 at Van Meter Gymnasium. All other clinics
held at WVU Tech have administered doses of the Moderna vaccine at 410 Neville Street.
The type of blood clot observed is called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
(CVST) and is seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets
(thrombocytopenia). All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18
and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination. Treatment of this
specific type of blood clot is different from the treatment that might
typically be administered. Usually, an anticoagulant drug called heparin is
used to treat blood clots. In this setting, administration of heparin may be
dangerous, and alternative treatments need to be given. 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.
“We know that the key to saving lives and improving outcomes from COVID-19 in
West Virginia is continuing to choose to be vaccinated,” Marsh said.
WVU strongly
recommends all students and employees be vaccinated for COVID-19. If you have
questions about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, the University
suggests speaking with your primary care physician. Students can also reach out
to the WVU
Tech Student Health Clinic.
Email questions or concerns to techrelations@mail.wvu.edu.