By Dr. Dhia Aldoori April 16, 2021
Pending further
analysis of the safety of administering this vaccination, a ‘pause’ has been
advised by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). A pause doesn’t mean stopping this vaccine and a caregiver may discuss
administration of it with her/his patient and go ahead and advise its receipt.1
A limited literature search revealed there has been the
association of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) with prior medical
conditions. Examples are thrombophilias (blood platelet abnormalities),
inflammatory bowel disease, transient situations (e.g., pregnancy, dehydration,
and infection), some medications (e.g., oral contraceptives), substance abuse,
and unpredictable events (e.g., head trauma).2
Considering above and pending clarification of the situation
I would say you should avoid getting the Janssen Biotech, Inc. (a
pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson) vaccine if you have any of the
above conditions mentioned in paragraph 3 above.
Furthermore I would not critique those who do not
have a possible predisposing condition and wish to avoid this vaccine until the
dust is settled. Bear in mind this is a vaccine that is not fully vetted study/safety
wise (like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines), and hence being administered by
virtue of the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) pathway.
Bibliography
1. Joint Media Call: FDA & CDC to
Discuss Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine - 4/13/2021 - YouTube. Accessed April 16,
2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ELXnGYgsJY
2. Saposnik G, Barinagarrementeria F,
Brown RD, et al. Diagnosis and management of cerebral venous thrombosis: A
statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart
Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2011;42(4):1158-1192.
doi:10.1161/STR.0b013e31820a8364
