The Utah Department of Health lifted the statewide pause on administering shots of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine late Friday.
The pause in Johnson & Johnson vaccinations had been in place since April 13th. The Health Department decided Friday evening to follow the direction of the Food & Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control to lift the pause.
According to the Health Department, effective immediately, COVID-19 vaccine providers in Utah may resume administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to anyone 18 years of age or older.
The Utah Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 10-4 in favor of the action following lengthy discussions weighing the benefits of getting as many people vaccinated as possible against the risks of very rare side effects.
Out of more than 8 million people who had been vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 15 women experienced a rare blood clotting condition called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Three of the women died. None of the cases were in Utah.
Going forward, Johnson & Johnson and federal regulators plan to add language to the product label warning of the potential for the rare condition.
The Health Department says for some women younger than age 50, there may be increased risks from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. These women may choose to speak with their health care provider prior to receiving the vaccine, or choose another vaccine manufacturer. They may also choose to wait to be vaccinated until after the CDC releases further guidance, which is expected next Tuesday.