Federal health officials are pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. Jason Knutson is a family medicine physician with Avera Medical Group. He says the decision comes after six women developed rare blood clots within three weeks of vaccination.
“It’s very minimal at this point…but 6.8 million doses given, six people with blot clots. We don’t know if the blood clots are from the vaccine or not, but they [CDC and FDA] are looking at that and that’s why it was paused.”
Knutson says people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should monitor their symptoms for 21 days. He says people with concerns should follow up with their health provider.
“Anytime you get leg pain or shortness of breath, that’s important. Fevers, chills, sweats can be something you can call in for as well.”
The state Department of Health says no South Dakotans have reported abnormal effects from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
More than 15,000 South Dakotans have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Roughly 303,000 people in the state have received at least one dose.