Missouri vaccinators updated on halting of Johnson and Johnson distribution
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Vaccinators in Missouri are asked to hang onto their doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after distribution was halted on Tuesday
The Department of Health and senior services held its weekly COVID-19 with health providers across the state on Wednesday and addressed concerns surrounding the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine.
US officials with the FDA and CDC received at least six reports of the adverse side effects possibly linked to the vaccine. Federal officials recommended states pause J&J vaccinations while the adverse side effects are investigated.
Deputy Director of the DHSS's Division of Community and Public Health Mindy Laughlin gave vaccinators an overview of symptoms to look for and what to do with the extra doses.
The symptoms anyone who received a J&J vaccine should monitor for 3 weeks after distribution are severe headache, backache, anything similar to a stroke, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling or easy bruising.
Vaccinators are being asked to mark their J&J vaccine with "do not use" markers but keep it stored until further notice.
"This is the guidance we are receiving, I was on a couple of calls with the FDA and the CDC today, and they are continuing to say this is the guidance they are using as well, in regard to symptoms to monitor for, time frames, and those kinds of things," Laughlin said.
The Chief of the Bureau of Immunization Lynelle Paro said that it helps the federal government know how many doses providers actually have on hand versus how many have been administered.
"They are looking at that data as they go through that process of determining whether or not quarantining or not using it will be lifted," Paro said.
The state reminded vaccinators to make a report of any adverse side effects.
"Even if you are unsure, you can still make a report," Laughlin said.
The state is also asking people who get the vaccine to sign up for V-Safe after their vaccine, which will check in every day for seven days, then weekly after that. If any issues are found, a vaccine report will be generated automatically.
The state said it is providing information about the Johnson and Johnson Vaccine to those who have received it. The information can be found on their website. Lisa Cox told vaccinators they can share that information with anyone who has received the vaccine.
"For now, what we are able to tell them is of course the rarity of this situation," Cox said.
There are nor reported cases of Missouri patients.
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