Alexandria Health Department to Resume Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine After Pause Lifted
ALEXANDRIA, VA-Earlier today the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) announced it will resume using the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The news comes after the CDC and FDA recommended on April 20 that a nationwide pause be lifted.
Both agencies recommended the pause following the discovery of six women who had developed a rare blood clotting disorder after receiving the vaccine. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the lift, and the CDC and FDA have indicated that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the potential risks. They stress that the vaccine is effective at preventing COVID-19, but say that women under 50 should be informed of the risk of blood clots.
With the lift, effective April 23, the Virginia Department of Health has cleared providers across the state to use the Johnson & Johnson vaccine immediately.
In the coming weeks, AHD will offer the vaccine at clinics throughout the city. The department will make choices clear to residents so that appointments can be made according to preference. While AHD recommends getting the first dose available, it does not endorse one vaccine over another.
Residents affected by the pause may use the token they received previously to reschedule their appointments.
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