COVID-19 UPDATE
4-13-2021
In an effort to keep our members current on the latest information regarding the coronavirus crisis and vaccinations, the Medical Society of Delaware is sharing the following:
Review of Data on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

Delaware Division of Public Health Shares Concerns with FDA and CDC

The Division of Public Health (DPH) shares the FDA’s and CDC's concerns involving six cases of a rare type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine. DPH appreciates that the FDA, CDC, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are looking into data from the US and abroad to assess whether there may be a causal link between the J&J vaccine and blood clots.

The purpose of the Health Alerts that have been issued is, in part, to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can provide proper management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.

In these six cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All six cases occurred among women aged 18 to 48 years. When these specific type of blood clots are observed following J&J COVID-19 vaccination, treatment is different from the treatment that might typically be administered for blood clots.

DPH is not aware of any issues of blood clots in Delaware that may be related to this vaccine.
 
Out of an abundance of caution, DPH is recommending that their Delaware vaccine partners hold off on using the J&J vaccine until the situation has been further assessed. The state will not use the J&J vaccine at its vaccination sites until further federal guidance is received.
 
At this time per the CDC, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare. The effects that would indicate a blood clot are different than the usual and expected side effects of a vaccine. People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.
 
Read the Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID 19 Vaccine.

Governor Announces Vaccination Program Fully Open

Medical Providers, Hospital Systems May Vaccinate Delawareans 16+ Without High-Risk Medical Conditions

Governor Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today that medical providers, including hospitals systems, may now vaccinate Delawareans aged 16 or older, whether or not they have a high-risk medical condition.

The State's COVID-19 vaccination program is now fully open to Delawareans 16+ at any vaccination provider. Those eligible can receive vaccine at their physician's office, a pharmacy, or a community vaccination event. Note that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the only vaccine authorized for those aged 16 and 17. Read the announcement.
For more information and resources regarding COVID-19, MSD has created a coronavirus resource page on our website. View resource page.  
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