ADH, NEA Baptist respond to J&J vaccine pause

JONESBORO, Ark- In a change, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have pulled the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine.

The Arkansas Department of Health is also putting a pause on administering the vaccine after six women across the country developed blood clots.

Unfortunately, causing one to die.

But for those who have already gotten it, here are warning signs to watch out for.

“If a patient has gotten the Johnson and Johnson vaccine within the last two weeks and presents with the severe persistent headache or abdominal pain, swelling of the legs, shortness of breath, these are things that might put up a red flag,” says Lynette Chastain, NEA Baptist pharmacist.

If you have or develop any symptoms, contact your doctor.

During the FDA trials, blood clots were not reported as a possible side effect of the J&J vaccine.

Heather Rainbolt, her sister and, her daughter chose to receive the vaccine due to its one-shot dose, passing on Pfizer and Moderna.

“Everybody knows when they take medication or get vaccines. There is a potential for side effects, um it’s, just part of it. The chances of it happening are so slim that no, I’m not really worried about it,” says Rainbolt.

Both Chastain and Arkansas Department of Health medical director Dr. Jennifer Dillaha say they are thankful for the swift action by the CDC and FDA.

Almost seven million people already received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, as Dr. Dillaha calls these reactions rare.

“It’s important to realize that the risk of the virus and its infection and the long-term consequences of having that infection are much greater than the risk of the vaccines,” the doctor says.

Dr. Dillaha and Chastain say one should not be worried if they received the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine as they have a different genetic make-up.

They both still encourage people to receive the vaccine if they haven’t already.