CDPH Issues Statement on Western States’ Approval to Resume Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

SACRAMENTO – Today the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a statement from Dr. Erica Pan, state epidemiologist, regarding the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup’s recommendation to support the lift of a temporary pause on administration of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

“After a thorough review of very rare adverse events following the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup supports the recommendation of the FDA and CDC to lift the pause on the vaccine. Clinics in California may begin administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine immediately as long as they provide appropriate educational materials to inform patients of the vaccine’s low risk of associated health effects and other available vaccine options.

More than half of Californians 16 and older have received one of the three vaccines available, and the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine is also an important tool in our fight to stop the spread of COVID-19, especially as more aggressive variants of the virus spread throughout the country. We hope we continue to make progress in getting more Californians vaccinated so we can move beyond this pandemic.”

For more information about the rare adverse effects, and what to do if you are experiencing symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider.

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