By Allison Perrine
NEW JERSEY – The federal government has paused the use of Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, but state officials are urging residents to continue getting vaccinated with the Moderna and Pfizer offerings to continue the fight against the virus.
The pause came after six individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine later developed thrombosis, a vascular disease resulting from severe blood clots. None of the individuals were from New Jersey, however, and state health officials reminded residents who have already received the vaccine not to panic.
“We understand that concerns about J&J may increase your hesitancy, but it is vital that as many people get vaccinated to beat COVID-19 in our state where we have lost one in 500 New Jerseyans to this virus,” said Judy Persichilli, commissioner of the state Department of Health. “This pause is a reflection of how seriously the federal government is taking the safety of vaccines. All vaccine sites in New Jersey have taken J&J vaccine doses out of inventory and will not use them until further federal guidance is provided.”
According to Persichilli, the CDC reported that the blood clots occurred in women between the ages of 18 to 48 with low blood platelet levels. Their symptoms developed six to 13 days after their inoculation. In New Jersey, 47,266 women in that age range have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine but there have been no similar reports. About 7 million people have received the shot nationwide.
“If you received the J&J vaccine in the last three weeks, no matter your age, and you experience leg pain, abdominal discomfort or pain, shortness of breath or a severe headache, please call your health care provider or go to the nearest hospital to be assessed,” she said. She encouraged residents to continue going to their appointments for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, “which have been demonstrated to be safe and effective.”
Gov. Phil Murphy said that despite the pause, the state’s overall goal of vaccinating 4.7 million adult New Jerseyans by the end of June not only remains in place but is achievable. As of Wednesday, April 14, Johnson & Johnson vaccines have accounted for only about 4 percent of the 5.6 million-plus total vaccine doses that have been administered statewide.
“No one who has received this vaccine should panic or worry,” said Murphy, adding that the CDC and FDA decision comes out of “an abundance of caution.” He added that its review “is critical” to efforts statewide and nationwide to ensure confidence in vaccination programs and the vaccines themselves.
As of Wednesday, April 14, there were at least 2,292,316 fully vaccinated individuals in New Jersey. The total number of positive PCR tests reached 845,201 with an additional 118,283 positive antigen tests. In the Two River area specifically, the cumulative case numbers include Atlantic Highlands, 327; Colts Neck, 959; Fair Haven, 472; Highlands, 351; Holmdel, 1,567; Little Silver, 588; Middletown, 6,076; Monmouth Beach, 322; Oceanport, 621; Red Bank, 1,681; Rumson, 653; Sea Bright, 136; Shrewsbury Borough, 511; and Tinton Falls, 1,747.
As of 10 p.m. Tuesday night, there were 2,281 patients in hospitals throughout the state with confirmed COVID-19 or suspected of having the virus, including 2,140 who had already tested positive. Of that total, 457 were in intensive care units and 254 ventilators were in use. Throughout the day Tuesday, 297 people were discharged from hospitals while 271 new patients were admitted. There were 24 in-hospital deaths likely related to COVID-19 that have not yet been confirmed.
The death toll across the state reached 22,414, with an additional 2,592 probable COVID-19 deaths that have not been lab-confirmed.
The article originally appeared in the April 15 – 21, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
