GREENSBORO, N.C. — Several Triad COVID-19 vaccine sites are halting Johnson & Johnson vaccine appointments as the U.S. investigates reports of potentially dangerous blood clots linked to the single-dose shot. In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said they were investigating clots in six women that occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination.
Vaccine providers pausing J&J shots:
- Greensboro FEMA site at Four Seasons Town Centre
- Cone Health
- Guilford County Health Department
- Novant Health
- Forsyth County Health Department
Greensboro FEMA mass vaccine site officials said Tuesday Johnson & Johnson vaccine appointments scheduled for April 21-27 have been paused. It's unclear at this time if those who were scheduled for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the Greensboro mass vaccine site will be able to keep their appointments and just get a different vaccine, or if they will need to reschedule.
Novant Health officials said they will also pause giving the Johnson & Johnson shot out at their vaccine sites, including Hanes Mall. Those who have a Johnson & Johnson appointment through Novant Health will get Pfizer or Moderna instead. Novant Health said it is unaware of any Johnson & Johnson vaccine issues among its patients.
Cone Health paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following CDC and FDA guidance. Cone Health said it has not gotten reports of issues with the vaccine from any of its clinics. The hospital system is replacing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with Moderna vaccines. People can keep or make vaccination appointments as planned. "We remind everyone that vaccination is extremely important to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are created using different technology and we remain confident in their use," Cone Health officials said.
Forsyth County Health Department and Guilford County Health Department both announced they will pause Johnson & Johnson vaccine appointments.
Health officials said those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine less than two weeks ago should monitor their symptoms.
This is a developing story. Stay with WFMY News 2 for more updates.