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Abilene hub pausing Johnson & Johnson vaccination after CDC, FDA recommendation


The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is seen Friday, March 5, 2021, in Broken Arrow, Okla. BA Family Drug received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week. Janssen is a pharmaceutical unit of Johnson & Johnson. (KTUL photo/Lily Cummings)
The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is seen Friday, March 5, 2021, in Broken Arrow, Okla. BA Family Drug received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week. Janssen is a pharmaceutical unit of Johnson & Johnson. (KTUL photo/Lily Cummings)
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The Texas Department of State Health Services is asking vaccine providers to stop using it after a recommendation from the CDC and FDA.

The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District announced Tuesday they would immediately stop, which means they cancelled their pop-up clinic set for Wednesday afternoon.

Health Director Annette Lerma said they are calling everyone who had an appointment to reschedule for the Pfizer vaccine.

Some, like Keith Rocco, are choosing to wait to see if the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be cleared for use again.

"I don't like needles so I would rather just do it the one time," explained Rocco.

Rocco was set to get his dose Wednesday.

This past Saturday, Lerma said 779 people got their Johnson & Johnson doses at a drive-thru clinic.

Lerma said it was the first time the Abilene hub was allotted doses of that specific vaccine.

The CDC and FDA recommended to put the vaccine on hold after six women were reported to have a rare and severe blood clot disorder.

"Has anyone been affected here?" asked reporter Daniela Ibarra.

"We had one, one medical issue, and this person was evaluated on site, they were transported to the hospital, just out of an abundance of caution," answered Lerma.

Lerma added she's not sure if it was a reaction or not.

At other clinics, Lerma said two people were taken to the hospital -- both unrelated to the vaccine.

“What would you say to people who were already anxious about getting the COVID vaccine and they hear this pause on using the vaccine?" asked Ibarra.

“It's really important that you get your information, and you weigh the pros and cons," said Lerma.

For now, Lerma said the health department is holding on to the 800 leftover doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until they get more guidance.

Rocco said he's is no rush to get vaccinated.

"I'm just gonna wait," he said.

If you got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and have any adverse reactions in the three week afterwards, call your doctor or the health department.

The adverse reactions include the following:

  • Severe headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Leg pain
  • Shortness of breath



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