America received some alarming news this week with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announcing a pause in the use of Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) Covid-19 vaccine.
It was a devastating blow to the United States' extraordinary vaccine developments and delivery, but why not put it in perspective?
First, according to the CDC, there have been over 250,998,265 vaccine doses delivered and 123,917,385 have received at least one dose in the United States. A surprising 76,681,252 have received two doses.
Second, the population base that suffered greatly from the pandemic is our older Americans. As for those 65 and older, 79.6% have received 1 dose and 63% have received 2 doses. We commend the bipartisan effort and success of President Trump, President Biden, Congress, regulatory officials, and manufacturers for making this extraordinary vision a reality. Even though there have been uncertain times and tense moments along the way, we are proud of the USA for coming together for the best interest of our citizen's safety.
To date, there have been 7.2 million J&J doses administered and 7 people experienced complications from possible blood clots. According to the Wall Street Journal, there is no direct evidence that the J&J vaccine is responsible for these rare cases. Not to make light of the possible health challenge, but the odds are much better for someone to be struck by lightning or to get bit by a shark.
Every life is precious, but let's take a moment to be grateful for where we are in this process and how far we've come. It appears that Pfizer and Moderna are preparing to somehow make up the difference, but we truly hope the pause administered by our federal health officials is only temporary.
The CDC said, "If you received the J&J vaccine more than three weeks ago, the chance of developing a blood clot is very low and will decrease over time." It is recommended that you contact your healthcare provider if you develop:
- severe headache
- backache
- new neurological symptoms
- severe abdominal pain
- shortness of breath
- leg swelling
- tiny red spots on the skin
- new or easyily bruising
If you have a J&J vaccine scheduled, contact your provider and reschedule for the Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.
By focusing on our victories, it should prevent panic from setting in which would slow America's progress. In the meantime, let's allow our regulatory officials to do their job. The pause will allow the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to meet, review these cases and assess their potential significance.
Vaccine safety has been the federal government's number one priority throughout this historic vaccination process. All 3 vaccines have undergone and will continue to undergo the most rigorous safety monitoring plan in our nation's history.