Oh dear! What is wrong with this picture? A facility in Baltimore got the contract to make components of the J and J vaccine because of political ties to the previous administration despite prior FDA sanctions. We are told that 15 million doses of the vaccine had to be discarded last month because of the wrong components and contamination. Now it has been decided to halt production in that facility altogether and the vaccines will be made elsewhere.
On the bright side it is reassuring to know that quality control inspections really work.
Be that as it may, despite all the hiccups, do not be afraid of the J and J vaccine.
As expected the CDC recommended on Friday that states should resume giving the vaccine with a “written warning” about the rare potential for causing severe blood clots.
I did not believe there was enough evidence to stop the vaccine distribution to most people and I am glad the ‘pause’ was only a week long. Remember, it only took the FDA less than 2 weeks to approve the EUA’s for Moderna and Pfizer.
The CDC, the FDA and the State of Maryland Health Department have all issued statements allowing reintroduction of the J and J vaccine.
Here is the joint statement from the FDA and the CDC:
“Following a thorough safety review, including two meetings of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S Centers for disease Control and Prevention have determined that the pause regarding the use of the Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) Covid-19 Vaccine in the U.S should be lifted and the use of the vaccine should resume.”
I can tell you from personal experience that the vaccine is fine, my husband and I both got it. I drew blood on him the other day (the joys of being a doctor’s spouse) and his antibody levels far exceeded those needed for immunity.
None of the vaccines are side effect free and none is better than any other unless you have certain medical conditions.
Hopefully we can now get our vaccination surge back on track and stop this pandemic once and for all.
Stay safe and be heartened.
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