Johnson & Johnson vaccinations resume in Vt.

Clinics administering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine have resumed throughout the state of Vermont, following the federal government’s decision to lift a recently recommended pause on the vaccine. 

Administration of that vaccine in Vermont had been paused for over a week per a federal recommendation, so health experts could investigate cases of rare blood-clotting in people who took the vaccine. It ended up being 15 cases total. The new federal decision came over the weekend, and Vermont was ready to resume those vaccinations quickly. 

“FDA and the CDC have confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective at preventing COVID-19,” said Jenney Samuelson, Vermont’s deputy secretary of human services, at a press briefing Tuesday. “The FDA has determined that the available data shows that this vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risk in individuals 18 and older.” 

The risk of a severe blood clot remains low, and the FDA and CDC will remain vigilant in investigating the risks, Samuelson added. 

Vermont clinics offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine resumed in Chittenden, Addison, Windham and Orleans counties. Additional clinics have been added this week for all three vaccine types, including ones during this coming weekend. To make an appointment, go to healthvermont.gov/myvaccine or call 855-722-7878.

— Gareth Henderson