|
This email is being sent to approved COVID-19 Vaccine Providers, COVID-19 Vaccine Local Health Jurisdiction Partners and Emergency Preparedness contacts.
Dear COVID-19 Vaccine Partners,
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has limited the authorized use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine, otherwise known as the J&J vaccine. Their analysis shows the risk of certain side effects warrants limiting the vaccine. Click here to read their full statement. The uses now authorized by the FDA are limited to:
- People age 18 years and older who cannot be given or cannot access another COVID-19 vaccine
- People age 18 years and older who choose to receive the J&J vaccine because they otherwise would not get a COVID-19 vaccine.
DOH has removed standing orders for J&J
Washington State has sufficient supply of other COVID-19 vaccines to ensure availability. There could be situations where the J&J vaccine is still the best choice based on the individual’s preference, but due to the need for additional screening, education, and documentation of the individual’s decision, the Washington State Department of Health is removing the state standing orders for J&J COVID-19 vaccine. If you have standing orders from DOH, they are no longer valid.
If you wish to still administer J&J, you must do so under your internal ordering process, which could include your own standing orders.
Please continue providing patient education about the COVID-19 vaccine and ensure people have a choice of vaccine based on the FDA information.
Standing orders from the Washington State Department of Health are available for the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. That link also includes CDC standing orders templates for all vaccine brands if you need to create your own.
Report illness or reactions following vaccines
And as a reminder, please report any COVID-19 vaccine reactions a patient may have. It’s thanks to your diligent reporting that the FDA and other safety monitoring groups can catch signals that allow them to make adjustments such as this to protect people’s health.
Research continues to show that vaccination against COVID-19 has saves lives. Thank you for your work in keeping all eligible adults, adolescents, and children 5 and older up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting boosters of Pfizer or Moderna when eligible.
In partnership,
COVID-19 Vaccine Program
Prevention and Community Health Division
Washington State Department of Health
COVID.vaccine@doh.wa.gov
360-236-3873 | www.doh.wa.gov
|
