Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon, released the following statement following the joint statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recommending a temporary pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine. This comes after six reported U.S. cases among women of rare and severe type of blood clots after receiving the vaccine:
“The safety and well-being of all South Dakotans is our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, and until we know more on the reported cases, all vaccinators across our state will follow the CDC’s and FDA’s recommendations, and pause all administration of the J&J vaccine until further notice,” said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary of Health. “We remain confident all those who’ve already received the J&J shot have no reason for immediate concern but encourage residents to speak with their medical providers should concerns arise.”
As of today, 15,743 South Dakotans have received the J&J vaccine and no adverse cases of concern have been identified in the state. According to the statement by the CDC and FDA, any adverse events ‘appear to be rare’ and those affected would experience ‘severe headache(s), abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination’.
“Our Department remains in contact with healthcare providers across the state, who are all closely monitoring this development within their patient community,” added Malsam-Rysdon.
To get the latest state COVID-19 data, visit the Department of Health dashboard.