DSHS Statement on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Administration

Date: 04/14/21

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is asking vaccine providers in Texas to pause all administration of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine following the April 13, 2021 recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The pause is recommended following reports of blood clots in six individuals 6-13 days after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

With more than 6.85 million vaccine doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered in the U.S. as of April 12, COVID-19 vaccine safety remains a top national priority. Currently, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare and are being further evaluated to ensure vaccine safety. At this time, there have been no cases of blood clots reported in Texas, where more than 500,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered. People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health-care provider.

DSHS has not been notified of any change in vaccine distribution. Providers that have or receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should continue to store it in the proper conditions. Please label it “Do not use”. Do not discard or destroy it. Providers should report all adverse events following any vaccination to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) at vaers.hhs.gov.

DSHS and Superior HealthPlan will provide updates as they become available. Superior continues to work in close partnership with state, local and federal authorities to serve and protect members and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including ensuring that providers have relevant and up-to-date information. We value your partnership during these unprecedented times.

Please continue to visit the following webpages for the latest information:

Please note: This guidance is in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and may be retired at a future date.