Provider Update – April 14, 2021

COCA Call April 15

Johnson & Johnson / Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis with thrombocytopenia – update for clinicians on early detection and treatment.

Thursday (4/15/21) from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Alaska Time

This COCA Call will present the latest evidence on cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) with thrombocytopenia associated with the administration of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Speakers will discuss what is known about CVST, the importance of early detection, and updated vaccine recommendations.

ACIP Meeting Slides

You can view the presentations from the April 14 ACIP meeting discussing the Janssen vaccine here.

Messages for the Public

• If you received the J&J vaccine more than a month ago, the risk is very low at this time. 
• If you have received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine in the last few weeks, the risk is also low (1 in one million currently) but be aware of these symptoms. If you develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination, contact your healthcare provider, or go to the emergency room or urgent care. Let your healthcare providers know that you recently received J&J vaccine. 
• We continue to encourage those with currently scheduled appointments for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to keep their appointments and move forward with vaccination.
• If you are scheduled to receive the J&J vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider, vaccination location, or clinic to schedule another appointment for a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. 

Messages for Providers

• DHSS and CDC released a Health Alert Network (HAN) message that outlines recommendations for clinicians in administering J&J vaccine.
• These rare and unusual adverse events after vaccination may be associated with platelet-activating antibodies against platelet factor-4 (PF4), a type of protein. Usually, the anticoagulant drug called heparin is used to treat blood clots. In this setting, the use of heparin may be harmful, and alternative treatments need to be given.
• The outcome of today’s ACIP meeting will help inform health care providers of the next steps.
• To date, VAERS has received no reports of CVST with thrombocytopenia among persons who received either of the two mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.

Upcoming Pop-up COVID-19 ECHOs

Workplace Safety Considerations During COVID-19

April 23, 2021: noon-1pm

Description: The purpose of this Pop-Up ECHO is to provide Alaska employers and workers with guidance, resources and tools on safety considerations in returning to the workplace and maintaining a healthy work environment in light of COVID-19. You can register here.  

COVID Vaccines and Women’s Health 

April 21, 2021: 6-7pm

Description: This Pop-Up ECHO will address COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility. This Pop-Up ECHO is intended for the general public as well as health care providers. You can register here.