County, DHS pause administration of Johnson & Johnson vaccine

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is instructing Wisconsin vaccine providers to stop administering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine due to a federal review of adverse side effects reported.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement saying six cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis have been reported in the U.S. out of 6.8 million Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses given.

Trempealeau County Health Department Director Barb Barczak said the department received its first dose of the vaccine last week and administered it to about 50 county residents.

Barczak noted that the cases are very rare with only six cases amongst the 6.8 million vaccines that have been administered nationwide. She said there were plans to issue more doses of the vaccine, but those appointments are being cancelled.

Symptoms, Barczak said, include severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain and shortness of breath. She said they would occur within three weeks of getting the vaccination.

“We are pausing administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution. At this time, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Vaccine providers should not administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at this time, and should hold on to the vaccine until federal review has been completed.”

Barczak encouraged any county residents who are experiencing any symptoms from the vaccine to contact their healthcare provider.