Star Journal Staff

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) called for the pause, saying six cases of a “rare and severe” type of blood clot, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis were reported in the U.S. There have been nearly seven million doses of Johnson & Johnson administered.

“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.”

Oneida County Health Department Director Linda Conlon said the fact that the CDC is pausing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a good thing, because it shows the vaccine monitoring is working.

“If you’ve already received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, we recommend people monitor themselves for signs of a blood clot,” Conlon said. “Anyone with a severe headache, severe abdominal pain, leg pain, and or shortness of breath should contact their primary care provider.”

OCHD has canceled a Johnson & Johnson vaccine clinic planned for Friday, April 16. Conlon said a walk-in Johnson & Johnson clinic, scheduled for Saturday, April 24 in conjunction with Marshfield Clinic and Ascension at Lakeland Union High School has not been canceled.

The Moderna vaccine is available throughout the Northwoods, including twice-weekly clinics at Four Square Church in Rhinelander. To register, visit the Oneida County Health website.