September 27, 2024

Nevada to providers: Resume use of J&J vaccine for COVID-19

Johnson and Johnson Vaccine

Jessica Hill / AP

In this March 3, 2021, file photo, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is held by pharmacist Madeline Acquilano at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Conn.

Nevada's COVID-19 immunization program is telling health care providers to resume use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine now that the federal government has lifted an 11-day pause following a safety review of “rare but serious reactions."

The state issued its guidance Friday after scientific advisers to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the benefits of the one-dose J&J shot outweigh a rare risk of blood clots.

The CDC and the federal Food and Drug Administration earlier this month had jointly recommended a pause in the use of the vaccine.

Nevada health officials said that people who have received the J&J vaccine and who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.

The state said health care providers are required to report adverse events to the federal government.