Less than two weeks after Pennsylvania completed the special initiative to vaccinate educators with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA and CDC is hitting pause on the one-dose shot.
In response, the Pennsylvania Department of Health also directed vaccine providers to halt of the J&J vaccine until at least April 20.
The Pennsylvania State Education Association, one of the largest teachers unions in Pennsylvania, commended federal and state officials for their caution.
Chris Lilienthal, PSEA assistant director of communications, said the organization is not aware of any school staff members vaccinated by the state's special initiative who reported the blood clots causing concern among top health officials.
"The CDC and FDA have said that the effects they are concerned about have occurred within 6-13 days after people received the vaccine," he said. "What's important to keep in mind is that the educator vaccine program in Pennsylvania, the last school staff members to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were vaccinated two weeks ago."
He adds PSEA will still be in close communication with members about the issue and provide information as more details are available.
Over 112,000 educators were vaccinated in the state's program.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health said they have been in communication with groups who received the J&J vaccine as part of a state special initiative.
