Dr. Brannon Traxler, South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Interim Public Health Director, said in a virtual media briefing Wednesday that the Johnson & Johnson’s recent pause on vaccine distribution due to hyper-rare side-effects will have no impact on the state’s overall vaccine rollout program.
MORE: Georgia Pauses Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccines Amid Blood-Clot Losses
South Carolina was to receive only about 7,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. That compares to the 40,000 doses the state will receive of both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccination.
Six people in the United States who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine developed serious blood clots. Traxler said the list of states where those cases were reported has not been released.
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Traxler said roughly 60 of their providers, the partners who have been assisting with vaccinations including, CVS and Walgreens, anticipated receiving Johnson & Johnson supply this week. She does not know how many clinics have been postponed. She said some providers have asked the DHEC for a supply of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and DHEC is trying to fill the requests.
Traxler said it is unlikely anyone who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccination more than a month ago will suffer any side effects. She anticipates the pause for Johnson & Johnson will cause some people to hesitate getting vaccinated. She said this highlights how closely all the vaccinations are being monitored during the nationwide rollout.
The interim directed reiterated there have been no issues reported with the Pfizer or Moderna products and there’s no need to delay getting the shots. “Don’t hesitate. Vaccinate,” said Traxler.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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