Recently, 6 women who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine ended up with a rare side effect. These women, who were between the ages of 18 and 48, developed a blood-clotting disorder. One woman ended up dying from this rare side effect. Another woman ended up in critical condition. All of these women developed the blood-clotting condition between 6 to 13 days after getting the vaccine.

As a result of this rare side effect, the Food and Drug Administration wants states to stop administering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. 

Today FDA and @CDCgov issued a statement regarding the Johnson & Johnson #COVID19 vaccine. We are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution.

— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) April 13, 2021

Until that process is complete, we are recommending this pause. This is important to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.

— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) April 13, 2021

In a joint statement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the FDA said, “Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare. COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority for the federal government, and we take all reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination very seriously. 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.“

In a statement, Johnson & Johnson said, “The safety and well-being of the people who use our products is our number one priority.” Johnson & Johnson will be delaying the rollout of their vaccine in Europe due to this rare side effect.

Watch the video below to learn how reports about this rare blood clotting side effect may impact the vaccine roll out in the United States.

Do you know anyone who has gotten the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine?