Dear 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ University Students, Faculty and Staff,
Following by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to pause the administration of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ will pause the distribution of this vaccine to students.
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ clinics scheduled to distribute the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at all locations are postponed until further notice. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was provided to 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and other universities by the state of Ohio as part of an effort to vaccinate college students before summer break. Gov. Mike DeWine also has asked all Ohio vaccine providers to halt the use of the Johnson & Johnson shot.
The CDC and FDA recommend that the use of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine be paused because of concerns of a rare blood clot disorder, which has occurred in six recipients out of nearly 7 million who received the Johnson & Johnson shot.
Those who experienced the blood clot disorder developed symptoms within six to 13 days after receiving the vaccine. Symptoms included severe headache or severe headache accompanied by blurred vision, fainting, loss of consciousness, loss of control over movement in a part of the body or seizures. If you experience these symptoms after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, please contact the DeWeese Health Center or your local healthcare provider. The FDA and CDC said that these cases are extremely rare but recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution.
Anyone who had an appointment for a vaccination at one of the 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ clinics is advised to for another brand of vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) at a different clinic, including those operated by the Portage County Combined General Health District on Tuesdays at the 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Field House, or one located near your Regional Campus.
Always remember, 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ provides the following mental health support resources to our students who may be in need:
For the latest information about vaccinations, visit www.kent.edu/coronavirus/vaccine.
Sincerely,
Manfred van Dulmen, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
Interim Dean of Graduate Studies
Chair, Pandemic Leadership Committee