Washington state pauses use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
Washington is pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine statewide effective immediately, the state Department of Health announced Tuesday.
The decision comes following a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration after reports of very rare, but potentially dangerous, blood clots that occurred six to 13 days after vaccination.
The Department of Health said the use of the J&J vaccine will be put on hold until the state receives further recommendations from federal partners on how to move forward.
What to watch for if you got Johnson & Johnson COVID shot
Dr. Anne Schuchat, CDC Principal Deputy Director, said people who recently got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is now being paused due to potentially dangerous blood clots, should be aware to look for any symptoms and added that the risk is very low at this time for those who got it more than a month ago.
What officials say you should watch out for related to these blood clots is severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after receiving the Johnson & Johnson shot.
VERIFY: What is cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and what are common symptoms?
The U.S. announced on April 13 that they are recommending a "pause" of single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines from being administered as they investigate "extremely rate" blood clot reports.
The administrations said the clots are also known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), where clots occurred in veins that drain blood from the brain.
What is cerebral venous thrombosis and what symptoms should you look out for?
Finding a vaccine appointment remains a challenge amid expanded eligibility
Though most restrictions for getting a COVID-19 vaccine in Washington are going away in a matter of days, those looking to book an appointment are still presented with conflicting and confusing information on how to get one.
On Thursday, April 15, everyone 16 and older will be eligible to get a shot. The only real restriction left will be for minors, who will need consent from a parent or guardian to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, unless they are legally emancipated.
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Washington
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released an online portal to check your eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine.
As of Wednesday, March 31, the state moved to Phase 1B, Tiers 3 and 4, which added the following qualifications for eligibility:
- Anyone age 16 and older with two or more diseases or medical conditions
- Anyone age 60 and older
- Anyone living or working in certain congregate settings (correctional facilities, group homes for those with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, etc.)
- Additional high-risk critical workers in congregate settings (restaurants, manufacturing, construction)
If you are eligible, find a list of vaccine providers on the state's Vaccinate WA page and information on how to make an appointment.