Student Health Center pauses Johnson & Johnson vaccine distribution after CDC notice

Prachi Vashisht

April 13, 2021

As of April 13, the Student Health Center at Sam Houston State University has paused further administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in regards to the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

“The university’s Student Health Center has already reached out to all faculty, staff and students who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the health center,” Director of Marketing and Communications and Public Information Officer Stephanie Knific said. “Additionally, the Student Health Center paused the administration of all Johnson & Johnson vaccines and canceled all scheduled appointments for that vaccine.”

Although the Student Health Center has canceled all Johnson & Johnson vaccine appointments and will not administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, alternatives options are currently in progress.

“The Student Health Center is currently working with other providers, including Walker County, to help provide resources to those faculty, staff and students who have yet to be vaccinated,” Knific said.

In a joint press release on April 13, the CDC and FDA announced the recommendation to pause the distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The organizations are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The reported adverse cases have occurred in women between the ages of 18-48, with symptoms of such cases starting 6-13 days after vaccination, according to the joint CDC and FDA statement.

People who have been vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and begin to develop the following symptoms within three weeks after vaccination are recommended to contact their health care provider.

Severe headache
Abdominal pain
Leg pain
Shortness of breath

Students needing to speak with a provider due to post-vaccine symptoms can contact the Student Health Center at 936-294-1805 for further assistance.

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