SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota health officials asked vaccine providers to put Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 shots on hold after a request Tuesday from federal officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration asked for a pause following reports of blood clots developing in six people in the U.S. who had received the vaccine.
“The safety and well-being of all South Dakotans is our top priority,” Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon said in a release. “Out of an abundance of caution, and until we know more on the reported cases, all vaccinators across our state will follow the CDC’s and FDA’s recommendations, and pause all administration of the J&J vaccine until further notice.”
Federal authorities said all six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred six to 13 days after vaccination.
South Dakota has administered nearly 16,000 doses of the J&J vaccine, with no adverse cases reported.
“We remain confident all those who’ve already received the J&J shot have no reason for immediate concern, but encourage residents to speak with their medical providers should concerns arise,” Malsam-Rysdon said.
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