After clot concerns, J&J Covid-19 vaccination is 'restricted' to some people
Key Takeaways:
- The Covid-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson was designed for individuals who were unable to obtain other immunizations.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 18.7 million doses of J&J's vaccine have been distributed in the United States.
Following an assessment into a rare and potentially fatal clotting condition in certain users, Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine was restricted to use exclusively in adults who could not receive other vaccines.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the vaccination was only available to people 18 and older who couldn't get other vaccines or who wouldn't get inoculated against the virus. J&J's single-shot vaccination has been praised for its ease of use as compared to two-shot vaccines, especially in rural places and among communities such as the homeless, where repeat immunizations can be challenging.
As per the CDC and Prevention, about 18.7 million doses of J&J's vaccine have been given to people in the United States. Vaccine sites have received nearly 31 million doses, implying a supply of unsold vaccines.
After performing an inquiry and study of reported blood clots in combination with low blood platelet levels, known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, that happened one to 2 weeks after the administration of J&J's shot, the FDA decided to limit the shot's approved usage.
The FDA stated in a statement that the investigation results "support reducing the vaccine's permitted use."
The J&J coronavirus vaccine, according to Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, still has a role to play in the US pandemic response and around the world.
"Today's action reflects the resilience of our safety surveillance mechanisms and our dedication to ensure that science and data guide our choices," Marks said, adding that the agency has been closely monitoring the J&J shot and TTS incidents and will continue to assess them.