Notes about Vaccinating With the Covid-19 Janssen/Biotech Vaccine Given the Recent CVST Pause

 By Dr. Dhia Aldoori April 16, 2021

 As of today I am aware of 6 patients with the diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) who have received the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen/Biotech Vaccine) within three weeks of manifestations emanating from CVST.¹ One sadly passed away, one currently in hospital and all are female.

 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