Mild vs. Severe Side Effects from the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine — What to Know

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Though extremely rare, the warning signs of a blood clot are different from the normal side effects that may occur following vaccination. MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
  • Officials are warning people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to watch for signs of an extremely rare blood clotting disorder.
  • The warning signs of a possible blood clot differ from the normal side effects that may occur after vaccination that show your immune system is doing its job.
  • The symptoms of a possible blood clot include severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, and shortness of breath.
  • So far, there have been six reported cases, with symptoms showing up 6 to 13 days after vaccination.
  • After a month, the risk of any side effects from the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is extremely low.

On April 13, federal officials warned people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to watch for signs of an extremely rare, severe type of blood clot in the brain that may be linked to the vaccine.

This comes after six women who received the vaccine developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) — a clot in the area of the brain that drains blood from the brain.

All women also had low levels of blood platelets, a condition called thrombocytopenia, according to federal officials.

It’s not clear yet whether these cases are definitely caused by the vaccine.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended pausing the vaccine rollout while scientists investigate the cases and their possible connection to the vaccine.

So, what warning signs should you look for if you received this one-dose vaccine, or if you receive it when the rollout resumes?

Source: healthline