FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 13, 2021

LAS VEGAS – Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA recommended a pause in the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine while they review six reports of cases of a rare type of blood clot that occurred in individuals who received the vaccine. In keeping with the recommendations of the CDC and FDA, the Southern Nevada Health District has stopped administering the vaccine in its clinics and advised its community partners to do the same.

The severe adverse events that occurred were all reported in women between the ages of 18 to 48, and their symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine. At this time, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare and people who received the vaccine more than three weeks ago are at even lower risk. People who received the Janssen vaccine and develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks of vaccination should contact their health care provider. More information is available at www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0413-JJ-vaccine.html.

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are not associated with these events. To date, more than 1,180,000 doses of vaccine have been administered in Clark County, including more than 47,000 doses of the Janssen vaccine. The Health District and its community partners schedule vaccine appointments based on the allotment received each week, and there will sufficient vaccine supplies to continue to safely vaccinate the community.

Updated information and resources are available on the Health District’s COVID website at www.SNHD.info/covid.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.