Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Update

The CDC and FDA temporarily paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine to study the cases of 15 people (out of nearly 8 million) who developed a rare type of blood clot after receiving the vaccine. They have concluded that the risk of blood clots is extremely rare and the benefits of receiving the vaccine far outweigh any risks. Therefore, the CDC and FDA have approved resuming the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, patients who receive the vaccine should be alert for symptoms including persistent, severe headaches, blurred vision, shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, persistent abdominal pain or unusual bruising. If you develop any of these symptoms within three weeks after vaccination, contact your Maryland Primary Care Physicians provider.