The Superior Express -

On Tuesday South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) paused administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, following CDC and FDA recommendations. Earlier that day, the Centers for Disease Control and the Federal Drug Administration released a joint statement recommending a pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccinations nationwide while further investigation is being completed.

Vaccine safety is closely monitored by healthcare providers and local, state and federal partners. While only six instances of this severe clotting event have been identified among approximately 6.8 million who have received the vaccine across the US, the pause is a transparent and deliberate decision to allow time for a thorough review and investigation. Currently, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare.

People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.