home

Johnson and Johnson Vaccine "Paused" in U.S.

Six women between the ages of 18 and 48 have been afflicted with a blood clotting disorder within three weeks of taking the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. One died, one is in critical condition in the hospital. While that's a tiny number of the 9 million people in America who have received the vaccine, the government is concerned enough to put a "pause" on the vaccine until they know more.

Scientists with the F.D.A. and C.D.C. will jointly examine possible links between the vaccine and the disorder and determine whether the F.D.A. should continue to authorize use of the vaccine for all adults or modify the authorization, possibly limiting it to certain population groups. An emergency meeting of the C.D.C.’s outside vaccine advisory committee has been scheduled for Wednesday.

What population group would you exclude? Females between 18 and 48? [More...]

There's another problem:

... a standard treatment for blood clots — use of an anticoagulant drug — could be dangerous or even fatal in such cases.

What symptoms do you look for?

If you receive the vaccine and develop severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath, you should contact your health care provider and seek medical treatment,” she said.

What if you've had a blood clot?

In the United States alone, 300,000 to 600,000 people a year develop blood clots, according to C.D.C. data. But the particular blood clotting disorder that the vaccine recipients developed, known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, is extremely rare. Dr. Schuchat described the condition as “a severe strokelike illness linked to low platelet counts.”

...Government experts are concerned that the blood clots are linked to an immune system response triggered by the vaccine.

In Europe, Astra Zeneca has had problems.

Researchers in Germany and Norway published studies on April 9 suggesting that in very rare cases, the AstraZeneca vaccine caused people to make antibodies that activated their own platelets.

... AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson use the same platform for their vaccine, a virus known as an adenovirus.

Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use a "different technology". More on AstraZeneca here.

< Tuesday Open Thread | Closing Arguments in George Floyd Murder Trial >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    There has been (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by KeysDan on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 02:01:45 PM EST
    criticism of the FDA/CDC decision to pause use of the J&J covid vaccine.  This, in my view, was the correct course to take from a drug/vaccine safety concern.

    Some have suggested proceeding with the investigation while continuing to vaccinate. And,to make appropriate changes if necessary.

    This argument is bolstered by the few clotting cases in the US reported so far-- (6) out of 6.5 million vaccinations. However, continuation may well bring  greater risks than a pause--the statistics reported are: "so far", and knowing of the risks and continuing would be a betrayal of "Approval for Emergency Use" with the understanding of ongoing monitoring, side effect incidence recording, and necessary adjustments.

    Data possibly linking unusual-type blood clotting(cerebral venous sinus thrombosis)and low levels of platelets, clearly warrants a temporary discontinuance of the vaccine so as to pursue investigation, make adjustments where indicated, and determine what treatment is called for in such instances.

    Indeed, counterintuitively, treatment with the blood thinner, heparin, meant to reduce clots,is contraindicated. heparin possibly triggering a clotting condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or low platelet levels.

    Another theory is that the adenovirus (a disabled common cold-like virus vector is used in the J&J vaccine) might prompt the body to make antibodies similar to what is seen in this condition. It is also thought that certain adenoviruses, themselves, can foster clots.

    Treatment for these unusual clots requires different anti-coagulants or even invasive intervention for clot removal.

    A interdisciplinary aspect to the vaccine pause assumes great importance by accompanying this medical precaution with public psychology. It should be noted that pauses in new drugs are commonplace with clinical trials. And, of course, that continuing surveillance is a part of emergency approvals.  It should be underscored that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are of a different design--messenger or mRNA.

    The (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by FlJoe on Sat Apr 17, 2021 at 10:56:46 AM EST
    good news is that we really don't need the J&J at all.

    In my neck of the woods supply of the other two vaccines has already bypassed demand. All adults, no appointments, no waiting at several locations. They are practically begging for arms to shoot.

    Parent

    This is very disturbing. Until the whole (5.00 / 2) (#14)
    by Peter G on Sat Apr 17, 2021 at 12:30:37 PM EST
    population acquires sufficient vaccine-induced immunity, social interactions and the economy cannot hope to recover. The priority groups (older, health care workers, teachers) had long waiting lists due to strong demand. If the general adult population is not sufficiently interested, we are all in trouble. This is not just a matter of individual preference.

    Parent
    Individual preference (2.00 / 1) (#15)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Sun Apr 18, 2021 at 01:17:25 PM EST

    That will play a role. Reportedly 40% of Marines have refused the jab.  Given their median age is likely in the 20's with no COPD, no asthma, no diabetes, no obesity, no lung cancer, or other comorbidity their risk may well be higher from the vaccine.

    Parent
    That's absolute bullsh*t. (5.00 / 5) (#16)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Apr 18, 2021 at 02:35:27 PM EST
    Your outright false insinuation that the COVID vaccine somehow poses a greater risk to both public health and personal safety than the COVID-19 virus itself - a virus which has thus far killed nearly 575,000 Americans in only 14 months, BTW - may be perfectly acceptable in the right-wing crackpot fantasy leagues you play in, but it has no rightful or respectful place in a decent and moral society.

    Parent
    QOTD (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 18, 2021 at 02:46:20 PM EST
    "It's almost paradoxical that on the one hand they want to be relieved of the restrictions, but on the other hand they don't want to get vaccinated. It just almost doesn't make any sense."

    -- Dr. Anthony Fauci, discussing vaccine hesitant Republicans on CNN.

    Almost.

    Parent

    I never said (none / 0) (#19)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 09:30:55 AM EST
    I never said the vaccine poses greater risk to public health. Since the median age of decedents is nearly 80, and well over 90% have one or more comorbitities the risk of the vaccine may will be higher to a healthy 20 something than the risk of the virus.  That's just science.

    We are all not at the same risk to the virus.  Likewise, we are not all at the same risk to the vaccine.  Sorry, but thems the facts.

    FYI, I have both Pfizer shots.

    Parent

    Nonsense (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by FlJoe on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 10:02:09 AM EST
    You keep arguing facts not in evidence.
    While the risk of serious outcomes for the young is quite small, it is real and easily detectable.

    On the other hand zero risk has been found in the two mRNA versions and even the possible signal from J&J appears to show a risk is still much below the risk of contracting the virus at any age.

    Parent

    Yes, (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by KeysDan on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 10:28:28 AM EST
    and the younger population can transmit the virus. It may be assumed that young people have parents, grandparents, teachers, and other with whom they interact. This is a public health issue not just a private health matter.

    Parent
    Fauci (1.00 / 1) (#24)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 10:57:37 AM EST
     
    According to the sainted Dr Fauci the that risk does not go away with vaccination. He says the vaccinated can still become infected and contagious!

    Parent
    The risk (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by KeysDan on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 12:03:57 PM EST
     of getting a version of the disease in fully vaccinated people any worse than a common cold may be remote, but it is not zero.

     And, the infection could spread if vaccines are less effective at preventing asymptomatic infection than they are at preventing disease---vaccinated people might be protected from the disease, but could still spread the disease. Risk will be present as long as there is continued community transmission of the virus. The more people are vaccinated, the less the risk.

    In general, the salient point of vaccines is not elimination (always a goal), but rather, reducing risk to yourself and others by turning the infection into a danger not unlike that of shark attacks.

    Parent

    Risk (none / 0) (#22)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 10:38:52 AM EST
      the risk of serious outcomes for the young is quite small

    Particularly for those with no comorbidities.

    Likewise the risk of new vaccines. Are you claiming the vaccines pose zero risk?

    Parent

    Facts not in evidence. (none / 0) (#23)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 10:52:53 AM EST
    Sorry, I thought everyone commenting here knew the basic facts.

    CDC Puts comorbidity death rate at 94%.  

    CDC puts median age decedent at 78.  


    Parent

    Sorry (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by FlJoe on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 11:36:37 AM EST
    nobody is disputing those facts, it is you who is trying to assign a risk factor to vaccines that by observable empirical data does not exist.

    Parent
    Other than the women (none / 0) (#33)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 05:23:12 PM EST
    Suffering blood clots. So far two vaccines have been pulled due to health risk. The risk factors of the various vaccines are at this point largely unknown. That means we can't say they are zero.

    Parent
    Which (none / 0) (#34)
    by FlJoe on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 07:05:54 PM EST
    kind of proves the point. You can't prove zero risk, just as you can't prove a negative, but you can assign probability.

    The J&J showed a possible risk factor of one in a million which statistically is essentially nil for most if not all endeavors that consider risk. The very fact that they found such a faint signal also proves that the scientists are doing their due diligence.

    Which leads to the next fact, many more doses of the other two vaccines have been administered for a longer with zero signal.

    Parent

    It does not have to kill you (5.00 / 4) (#28)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 12:26:40 PM EST
    For you to become a long hauler or have your lungs damaged forever, or your vascular system damaged forever. You cannot join the military if you have had Covid-19. They are allowing candidates to apply for a waiver to prove they weren't damaged by the virus.

    Parent
    Recent data (5.00 / 2) (#31)
    by MO Blue on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 02:12:30 PM EST
    More young people are getting hospitalized as Covid variants spread

    A Third of COVID Survivors Have Long-Haul Symptoms

    Question: How many young adults have been hospitalized or died from the vaccine?

    Answer: No available data shows any deaths or hospitalizations of young adults from the vaccine.

    The facts do not support your assumption.

    Parent

    Recent data #2 (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by MO Blue on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 02:42:00 PM EST
    Covid Once Spared the Young. Now More Are Going to the Hospital

    People are filling up hospitals in the 18-to-50 age group," he said. "This is a race against the clock."

    Polis said the new variants are increasing the likelihood of severe reactions. Most younger people infected will survive, but are more likely to end up in the hospital, he said, imploring residents to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing as the inoculation campaign nears its goal.
    ...
    The next problem may be cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, in which multiple organs become inflamed. MIS-C, as it's called, afflicts some Covid survivors with lingering symptoms such as high heart rates, body aches and fatigue.




    Parent
    Any Marine (5.00 / 3) (#35)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 07:30:32 PM EST
    Who refuses the vaccine should be immediately discharged from the service.

    Refusing the vaccine is the move of morons. That is from someone in the hospital right now recovering from this plague.

    I have nothing but ill will for anyone who doesn't take this seriously, doesn't mask up or follow protocols or refuses to be vaccinated. If you don't want to be part of the solution, I hope you die quickly and get out the way of the rest of us.

    Parent

    here's one solution (none / 0) (#18)
    by leap on Sun Apr 18, 2021 at 03:28:14 PM EST
    to get white Republicans vaccinated...maybe:

    David Waldman-1, of Yorktown LLC<sup>TM</sup>

    Don't mind me. Just dropping my bill to require proof of vaccination to vote in person.



    Parent
    Temporary situation (none / 0) (#25)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 11:10:00 AM EST
    Our military is not going to deploy soldiers who aren't vaccinated for Covid. They are a danger to all of their missions, fellow troops, and civilians.

    It is a snapshot of how successful Trump was politicizing our military ranks, but longterm that is it.

    Parent

    Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (none / 0) (#7)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 08:27:27 PM EST
    Is what my step sister developed from being infected with Covid, the end of March 2020. We were shocked yesterday when CNN used those specific words pertaining to this pause. We are just now trying to get used to using those words and understanding the diagnosis. It took many months to get what happened to her properly diagnosed.

    Parent
    Before I learned of that specific (none / 0) (#8)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 08:29:45 PM EST
    Diagnosis yesterday I thought the pause was a bad idea. Now I'm not so certain.

    Parent
    Strange that they're low on shingles drug MT. (none / 0) (#12)
    by fishcamp on Fri Apr 16, 2021 at 08:20:33 AM EST
    The newer Shringix vaccination has been both available and free down here at Walgreens.  The first shingles vaccination available a few years ago was said to not be free, but it was.  I found a page from Medicare that required both the label from the vaccine and the paperwork.  Medicare finally sent me a check for $135 of the $200 I paid to get the vaccination.  Maybe there is a shingles hotline that tells where to either get it or order it.  

    Parent
    Boosters (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 08:04:12 PM EST
    Where do I sign up? (none / 0) (#4)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 08:19:45 PM EST
    Let's get a jump on this roll out

    Josh is recovering from his 2nd Moderna. Both doses beat him up pretty good poor guy.

    I got shingles after getting my J&J, but recovering fine. I dread ever discussing that with anyone, should I just lie? The anti-vax folks make everything suckier LOL

    Parent

    Tell them to get a shingles vaccine (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 08:23:42 PM EST
    You can't get it fir a bit after you have shingles

    Been there.

    Parent

    I tried to get vaccinated for shingles (none / 0) (#9)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 08:33:47 PM EST
    Two different times. Both times they said they were out of vaccine. My sister-in-law  just tried to get vaccinated for it after what happened to me and her provider is out of shingles vaccine too. What is this no shingles vaccine readily available about?

    Parent
    Dunno (none / 0) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 08:54:44 PM EST
    It was a couple of years ago for me.  Or so.  

    Parent
    I agree (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 08:24:11 PM EST
    I'm there for the booster.

    Parent
    Yes, (none / 0) (#11)
    by KeysDan on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 09:27:36 PM EST
    and Moderna hopes to have a third shot (also taking into account variants) by fall.

    It always seemed to me that the "one dose J&J vaccine " would eventually come to a second or booster shot.


    Parent

    Fortunately, the country (5.00 / 4) (#29)
    by KeysDan on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 01:04:12 PM EST
    will soon be in a position where the vaccine supply will be above demand.  Moreover, the point of universal eligibility for adults is at hand.  

    Unfortunately, there seems to be resistance to Covid-19 vaccination among some segments of the population.

    Understandably, a campaign to encourage voluntary vaccination has been a lower priority given the high priority to obtain and distribute the vaccines. But, it is now time for a concerted and high profile voluntary vaccination campaign.

    While voluntary compliance is preferred, the importance to public health and the well-being of the country suggests mandatory vaccination may be a necessary consideration. Mandatory, not compulsory, in that (a) exemptions exist for medical, religious and philosophical reasons, and (b) choice remains, but to chose against vaccination comes with consequences.

    Categories for application of vaccine mandates would include at-risk essential workers/workplaces, health care workers, including long term care facilities; military; airlines; restaurants, colleges and schools, concerts, sports facilities.

    Attendance, for example, at a Broadway show, would require evidence of vaccination. The choice remains as to attending a performance or complying with vaccination requirements. Vaccination as a condition of employment or attendance at school is commonplace, such as vaccinations for small pox, pertussis, or diphtheria. Or, for travel to certain parts of the world.

    The mRNA vaccines are safe and effective, the approved viral vector vaccine has been paused for evaluation and will likely be available again soon. Misinformation and unfounded hesitancy should not impede the national security and public welfare of the country.

    In Jacobson v MA (1905) the Supreme Court upheld the authority of states to enforce vaccination requirements for adults, with exceptions for health reasons, based on an outbreak of small pox.  Zucht v King (1922)reaffirmed the decision in that a school system could refuse student admission if they failed to get a required vaccine.  The Jacobson case has been used in arguments justifying government face mask and stay at home orders (individual v public safety).  

    I am for ALL of this (none / 0) (#30)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Apr 19, 2021 at 01:10:46 PM EST
    Beautifully put together

    Parent
    Ron Johnson (R-WI-QANON) (5.00 / 2) (#36)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Apr 23, 2021 at 02:02:39 PM EST
    Is an absolute moron. He has no business being a part of ANY legislative body.

    His latest is questioning why we should have mass vaccinations and why should you care if your neighbor is vaccinated.

    I doubt this guy can walk and chew gum at the same time. You just can't fix stupid.

    COVID UPDATE. I am being moved to a rehabilitation hospital tomorrow. This is the step in my recovery and going home. It has been a VERY long month. I am all hospitaled out.

    Last step in my recovery. (5.00 / 6) (#37)
    by Chuck0 on Fri Apr 23, 2021 at 02:03:10 PM EST
    So wonderful to hear this. (none / 0) (#42)
    by leap on Sat Apr 24, 2021 at 12:01:30 AM EST
    So good for you.

    Parent
    Great News Chuck (5.00 / 2) (#38)
    by jmacWA on Fri Apr 23, 2021 at 02:59:16 PM EST
    Here here! (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by jondee on Fri Apr 23, 2021 at 03:28:02 PM EST
    Glad you are on the the upswing! (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Apr 23, 2021 at 03:52:36 PM EST
    Really (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 23, 2021 at 07:52:50 PM EST
    glad to hear it.

    Parent
    Currently scheduled to go home May 5. (5.00 / 5) (#43)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Apr 28, 2021 at 02:41:01 PM EST
    SO (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by jmacWA on Wed Apr 28, 2021 at 03:07:59 PM EST
    7 days to go... WOO HOO

    Parent
    Just in time to see (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by desertswine on Wed Apr 28, 2021 at 04:17:18 PM EST
    Rudy in his new orange suit.

    Parent
    terrific! (5.00 / 2) (#46)
    by leap on Wed Apr 28, 2021 at 04:28:22 PM EST
    Cinco de Mayo! Get out and dance. And have some tequila.

    Parent
    Very (5.00 / 3) (#47)
    by Zorba on Wed Apr 28, 2021 at 05:27:13 PM EST
    Happy for you, Chuck!

    Parent
    My youngest (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon May 03, 2021 at 05:35:57 AM EST
    son got the J & J vaccine. He actually had a reaction to it though I don't know if he would have had the same reaction to the Pfizer or Moderna too. He had flu like symptoms the next day but thankfully no clots or anything serious.

    My shingles has healed (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 03, 2021 at 11:00:03 AM EST
    I would do it again

    I did see that Israel had some cases of shingles after receiving mRNA vaccination, the individuals were immunocompromised. I think it is only a matter of time before we learn that J&J triggered shingles in some people. Let's get those shingles vaccines out there.

    Parent

    i am glad (none / 0) (#50)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon May 03, 2021 at 02:15:50 PM EST
    you are cured of shingles. David had them just on the back of his head but that was bad enough.

    Parent
    The CDC Advisory (none / 0) (#1)
    by KeysDan on Thu Apr 15, 2021 at 08:18:08 AM EST
    Committee postponed, on Wednesday, a decision on the J&J vaccine awaiting more evidenced-based information on the rare-type blood clot.