News

Central Florida community reacts to pause in Johnson & Johnson vaccine distribution

ORLANDO, Fla. — Federal officials are calling for a pause in using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reports of potentially dangerous blood clots in a very small number of patients.

Following the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the White House said the pause will not have a significant impact on the nation’s vaccination plan. Officials said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine makes up less than 5% of recorded shots in arms in the United States.

The administration also said it has purchased or ordered enough Pfizer and Moderna doses for 300 million Americans.

On Tuesday, Orange County leaders were working to reassure people who have already received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or were considering getting it.

Several Johnson & Johnson vaccine events around Central Florida were cancelled Tuesday because of the recommended pause.

Coronavirus: US health agencies call for pause in use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine

The Salvation Army in Orange County was scheduled to hold a Johnson & Johnson event Tuesday morning, but were shut down by the CDC.

“The mobile bus came out they set up everything and had about a dozen people in line,” Salvation Army Captain Ken Chapman said. “No Vaccine would be available today for J & J.”

Local leaders are concerned that the pause in the vaccine rollout could be a setback for underserved communities. Their message to those who may be hesitant to get the vaccine in the first place is to keep moving forward, even if that means choosing another vaccine.

READ :Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause: What is cerebral venous sinus thrombosis?

“There’s going to be some kind of meeting coming up within a week we believe they’ll be back here we don’t know what vaccine it will be,” Chapman said.

District 5 Commissioner Regina Hill echoed the same thoughts, “I’m still hopeful. People were somewhat apprehensive especially in communities of color prior to receiving any vaccine. It has been an overwhelming response with our community having access, especially with mobile vaccine sites.”

Local leaders said they aren’t sure when cancelled events will be rescheduled and what type of vaccine they will receive.

READ: J&J vaccine pause: What should you do if you’ve already gotten the vaccine

Channel 9 will keep you updated on the latest information.