Out of an abundance of caution and as a federal site, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center is pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID 19 Vaccine until further review by the FDA and CDC.  The FDA announced this morning (4/13) they are recommending a pause and will be promptly reviewing the use of the vaccine in the US due to an extremely rare occurrence of a blood clot in several individuals.

Starting today (4/13), The Health Center will only be using the Moderna and Pfizer COVID vaccines at our vaccine sites in Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen until further notice.  Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are mRNA vaccines, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is an adenovirus vaccine.  After millions of doses given since December, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines continue to show safety and effectiveness.

GLFHC will proactively attempt to contact people who are scheduled on the specific days/sites this week for the J&J vaccine to let them know of the change to Moderna/Pfizer.  For people who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, if they are concerned about any specific symptoms, we recommend that they reach out to their medical provider.  CDC Information is here.