Trenton Pauses Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

City Health Department Following New Federal and State Guidance Issued this Morning

Trenton, N.J. – Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced that the City of Trenton Department of Health and Human Services has followed guidance issued just this morning by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the N.J. Department of Health to pause any use of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the N.J. Department of Health, the CDC and the FDA are reviewing the data involving six reported cases – among nearly seven million doses administered in the U.S. – in women between the ages of 18 and 48 who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Symptoms occurred six to 13 days after vaccination. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets.

Both the CDC and FDA have said that these adverse events are extremely rare. According to the FDA and CDC, individuals who have received the vaccine and develop abdominal pain, leg pain, shortness of breath, severe headache or other unusual symptoms within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.

The City of Trenton has issued approximately 3,000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Most of these vaccines were administered during the joint federal, state, and city vaccine clinic that concluded two weeks ago. The City has not received any reports that those vaccinations have resulted in the same adverse effects referenced above. However, City health officers will review their records and contact any individuals who fit the demographics mentioned in today’s federal guidance.

Due to this development, the City’s homebound resident vaccination program – which uses the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine because it is easier to transport and requires only one appointment – will be paused until further notice. City health officers will be in constant contact with the approximately 100 individuals who have just been vaccinated as part of this campaign. The City is also evaluating alternative plans, including the use of other types of vaccines, to still get this vulnerable population protected from COVID-19.

Trenton will continue to administer its weekly allotment of Moderna Vaccines.

Any Trenton residents who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, either during the homebound campaign that started yesterday or the clinic at Trenton Central High School two weeks ago, can call 609-815-2180 with any questions. As per the CDC guidance, any individual who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and experiences abdominal pain, leg pain, shortness of breath, severe headache or other unusual symptoms within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.