Early today (April 13) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a joint statement recommending a pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine. Of 6.8 million individuals who have received the J&J vaccine nationally, six individuals have developed a rare and severe type of blood clot within two weeks of receiving their vaccine. 

According to the state Department of Health (DPH), roughly 100,000 Connecticut residents have received the J&J vaccine with no reported serious adverse effects. The Norwalk Health Department has administered roughly 750 J&J vaccines out of nearly 9,000 total vaccines given and there have been no severe side effects reported from any of the shots administered. People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider. 

Out of an abundance of caution, Mayor Harry Rilling has ordered a pause on all administration of the J&J vaccine in keeping with guidance from the CDC, FDA, and state DPH. While the City awaits more guidance from Federal and State officials, Norwalk Health Department vaccine clinics this week, including tomorrow at Bow Tie Cinemas, will continue uninterrupted, as the Moderna vaccine will be administered. 

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including how to cancel or reschedule an appointment, visit norwalkct.org/vaccine.