Washtenaw County Health Department Pauses Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Washtenaw County Health Department is pausing all use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. The FDA and CDC have recommended this pause, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed it. The Health Department is stopping all use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until more is known. There is no impact on use of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

For today, the scheduled vaccine clinic at Pierce Lake Elementary in Chelsea will operate and will offer the Pfizer vaccine. The scheduled clinic this afternoon at EMU Convocation Center is postponed.

Tomorrow (Wednesday), two clinics scheduled clinics will be postponed, one at Concordia University and another at EMU.

Individuals with postponed appointments will be contacted and rescheduled as soon as possible.

“We are stopping all use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until we have more information on the few incidents of concern and clear recommendations on future use,” says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director with the Health Department. “This does not change the fact that COVID-19 vaccination overall is safe and effective. Millions have been vaccinated.”

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet Wednesday. Pending the Committee’s recommendations, all scheduled Johnson & Johnson clinics are tentative. Additional clinics are currently scheduled locally this Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

In addition, all current scheduling for vaccine appointments with the Health Department is paused while staff assess supplies and contact those scheduled today.

COVID-19 in Washtenaw County

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and test positivity are high and increasing in Washtenaw County and across Michigan. Washtenaw County Health Department reminds everyone to please use all COVID-prevention measures whenever possible. Wear a mask, keep your distance, and wash hands often. Follow isolation or quarantine guidance, and get vaccinated as soon as an appointment is available to you. Indicators in Washtenaw County are not currently as high as neighboring areas but are increasing.

More information:

Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community, including responding to health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700.

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