OSDH Pauses Use Of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccines At All State Sites

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has asked all vaccine sites across the state to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine immediately.

The announcement came after CDC and FDA recommended the pause nationwide while they investigate an occurrence of rare blood clotting responses in six Americans.

Related Story: US Recommends ‘Pause’ For Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Over Clot Reports

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have asked all of our vaccine sites to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine immediately while we gather more information,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Lance Frye. “This type of potential adverse reaction following administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is extremely rare and has occurred in less than one in every million recipients. However, the health and safety of Oklahomans remains our top priority. We feel it best to pause administration of this vaccine in alignment with the CDC and FDA’s recommendation until more data on this potential adverse reaction is available.”

According to the FDA, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered in the U.S. as of April 12, with 62,000 doses administered in Oklahoma.

OSDH says they will be working with providers to offer Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as alternatives for any Oklahomans who already have scheduled Johnson & Johnson vaccine appointments.

“This pause will have minimal impact on Oklahoma’s vaccine effort,” said Deputy Commissioner Reed. “Today’s action demonstrates the sensitivity of our monitoring system and our commitment to take any potential adverse reaction very seriously. After the administration of tens of millions of doses across the country, the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine have proven to be extremely safe. We continue to encourage all Oklahomans to get their shot to protect themselves and loved ones.”

If you have an adverse reaction to the Johnson & Johnson or any other COVID-19 vaccine CLICK HERE to report.