NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – New York state and city will resume use of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine after U.S. health officials lifted an 11-day pause on J&J vaccinations, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio said Saturday.
Cuomo said administration of the J&J vaccine would resume at all state-run sites “effective immediately.”
On Friday, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the benefits of the single-dose shot outweigh a rare risk of blood clots.
“World-renowned public health experts from the federal government and our own independent state task force have reviewed the data and reaffirmed that the use of the J&J vaccine can resume,” Cuomo said in a statement.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said he recommended that the state resume J&J vaccinations immediately after discussions with the state’s Clinical Advisory Task Force and Cuomo.
“The data has shown the vaccine's known benefits far outweigh the potential and extremely rare risks, but we urge anyone with questions about the COVID-19 vaccines to speak with their healthcare provider,” Zucker said. “We will continue to communicate regular updates and guidance from the federal government to providers and the general public about the J&J vaccine and all vaccines on the market.”
De Blasio said Saturday that J&J vaccinations would resume “immediately” at city-run sites in the five boroughs.
“The one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine is back and New York City will immediately resume our innovative mobile, pop-up, and homebound vaccination programs with this shot,” de Blasio said.
“I received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine along with our Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi,” the mayor said. “We know firsthand that the vaccine is safe and effective, and now it’s easier than ever to get your shot.”
On Friday, de Blasio announced that all city-run sites were offering walk-in vaccinations for any resident over 16 years old.
The CDC and Food and Drug Administration decided that J&J’s one-shot vaccine is critical to fight the pandemic — and the small clot risk could be handled with warnings to help younger women decide if they should use that shot or an alternative.
The initial reports of blood clots involved six women ages 18 to 48, including one death, among the 6.8 million J&J shots given in the U.S.
Panelists voted 10-4 to resume vaccinations without outright age restrictions, but made clear that the shots must come with clear warnings about the clots.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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