article link: https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/13/politics/white-house-johnson-and-johnson/index.html
On Tuesday morning April 13, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed President Biden and the public that health agencies across the US are recommending a shutdown for the administering of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine after several cases of extremely rare blood clotting. Officials claim that the shutdown will not affect the process of vaccinating Americans, as Pfizer and Moderna doses will be provided as replacements. Governors and Health Officials, however, still hold concern that the shutdown will deplete confidence in the vaccine that is so important for the US to come out of the pandemic.
President Biden gave a speech midday Tuesday where he addressed the situation, saying,"There is enough vaccine that is basically 100% unquestionable, for every single solitary American." Although addressing concern over supply, he did not address the concerns over possible vaccine hesitancy from skeptical members of the public. As of now, all Federal Health cites, vaccination sites, and health centers were told to immediately stop giving out Johnson and Johnson vaccines. The Biden Administration is still on track to vaccinate 200 million citizens by the end of April.
The possible negative effects of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine target women mainly under the age of 60. Dr.Anthony Fauci said on the pause that the main reason behind it was to warn physicians from giving people in the at-risk group the anticoagulant heparin which is potentially dangerous, and also mentioned that the FDA and CDC would find out whether there are more cases of blood clotting than the six known.
In my opinion, the fallout of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine could be potentially very damaging on vaccine hesitancy. Many Americans have already shown skepticism over the vaccines, and the negative side effects that the Johnson and Johnson vaccine are showing are a cause for public dismay and distrust in the administering of the COVID vaccines which are brand new. Since the government is pushing the vaccines significantly, I do believe this could lead many citizens to be discouraged from attaining vaccines.
discussion questions:
- Do you believe it was rightful to pause the administering of Johnson and Johnson Vaccines?
- How do you think the pause will affect the process of Americans getting vaccinated?
