PEORIA, Ill. — The use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine was paused due to a rare clotting disorder found in women who received the shot, but was recently given clearance to resume by the CDC.
Local health experts at the Peoria City/County Health Department reminded area residents of the safety of the vaccine.
Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Dr. Abeer AlMajali says the disorder remains extremely rare.
“Right now we know that there are 15 cases out of the 8 million vaccines administered all over the U.S.,” said AlMajali. “It was picked up because of our very strict safety monitoring.”
However, AlMajali said the CDC decided the benefits outweigh the risk even though there could be a potential link to the vaccine and the clotting disorder.
During the pause, AlMajali said doctors were able to come up with a treatment plan, should they see patients that happen to have the rare clotting disorder.
If someone remains hesitant to receive the J&J vaccine, she said it’s a luxury to have multiple to choose from.
“We still encourage [people] to get vaccinated,” said AlMajali. “We are lucky to have other options available.”
Public Health Administrator Monica Hendrickson echoed her thoughts about the vaccine.
“The importance is the risk is so minimal, and the benefits are so great,” said Hendrickson. “Considering all three vaccines are readily available, we want to make sure people are taking advantage of that.”
Hendrickson said the health department is offering various vaccines throughout the community in an attempt to vaccinate as many people as possible.
An updating list of those vaccine sites can be found here. In some cases, appointments are not necessary, and walk-ins are allowed.
