The development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is a huge accomplishment. Getting those shots into arms continues to be a pressing public health challenge.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Update

On April 13, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration placed a pause on administering the one-dose COVID-19 vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson.

• The decision is based on six reported cases of blood clots out of nearly 7 million administered vaccine doses.
• Both agencies expect to quickly review the decision.
• The Johnson & Johnson vaccine represents about 9% of all COVID-19 vaccines given in the United States to date.
• The decision shows our vaccine monitoring system is working and is an example of the FDA's commitment to safety and transparency.
• Getting a vaccine is still the best tool you can use to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19.

As APHA Executive Director Georges Benjamin, MD, told U.S. News & World Report, "'It's very important we don't get ahead of what we know and what we don't know," he says, adding there's been millions of doses of J&J administered and only six reported cases of this type of blood clot.'

The federal Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices met April 14 to discuss updated recommendations on the vaccine.  

COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know

• COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC)
• COVID-19 Vaccines (FDA)
• Questions and Answers About COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccines (Vaccinate Your Family)
• THE CONVERSATION: Between Us, About Us (Kaiser Family Foundation/Black Coalition Against COVID)
• Interim Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People (CDC)

How to Help

• Join the COVID-19 Community Corps. Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the effort offers timely, accurate information to share in your community.
• Share the Rockefeller Foundation's Vaccine Confidence Message Brief, which explores what motivates high-priority groups to get the COVID-19 vaccine and includes message recommendations such as "Frame vaccines as an empowering tool, not an ultimatum."
• Get a vaccine when it's available to you. You can contact your state health department for specifics on when you'll be eligible and how to register. 
• If you're a health care provider, CDC offers answers to some frequently asked vaccine/vaccination questions.
• Keep following key public health advice (wash your hands, wear a mask, keep your distance) and encourage others to do the same.