Fact-Checking: Was the FDA Right to Pull the JJ Vaccine Due to Blood Clots?

With recent reports of six women suffering life-threatening blood clots within a week of receiving the JJ vaccine, many are questioning the FDA's decision to pause the vaccine's distribution. This article delves into the facts surrounding the vaccine, its efficacy, and the risk of blood clots to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Recent Reports and the FDA's Decision

According to CNN, the six women who developed life-threatening blood clots after receiving the JJ vaccine are the ones that initially raised concerns. However, it is important to note that the number of vaccinated individuals is vast, and incidents of adverse reactions are a natural part of any large-scale vaccination program.

Over the past few years, there has been a significant amount of misinformation regarding blood clots, particularly associated with the AstraZeneca and Johnson Johnson vaccines. The odds of suffering from blood clots after any of these vaccines are incredibly low, ranging from one in 100,000 to one in a million, depending on various factors such as age, sex, and physical condition.

It is crucial to contextually weigh the risks and benefits. While these incidents are concerning, they must be compared to the ongoing reality of the ongoing pandemic. As of 21 April 2019, over 43,000 people have been infected, and 300 people are dying daily from COVID-19. In the same timeframe, over 2,000 people have lost their lives and over 280,000 are at risk.

Worldwide COVID-19 Statistics

The current global situation is dire. As of 21 April 2019, the numbers stand at 32,407,610 cases and 581,080 deaths in the United States alone. These staggering figures highlight the urgency to take any necessary actions to combat the virus.

With such a high death toll, it is crucial to evaluate the risks of the JJ vaccine against the potential benefits it offers in terms of preventing severe cases of COVID-19 and fatalities. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have a higher distribution rate, which might lead to more reports of adverse reactions due to their widespread use.

Evaluation of Vaccine Risks and Benefits

The likelihood of developing blood clots from the AstraZeneca or JJ vaccines is comparable to taking the 'pill,' with a higher than one in 2,000 chance of developing clots. On the other hand, the risk of contracting severe COVID-19 or dying from the virus is much more significant. In the U.S., the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe outcomes is influenced by various factors, including age, occupation, and living conditions. Women working in high-risk areas or those in direct contact with the public such as teachers, police officers, and healthcare workers have a one in ten to one in a hundred chance of exposure to the virus and its variants.

The variants from the U.K., South Africa, and Brazil are significantly more contagious and deadly, affecting younger age groups as well. For every fatality from COVID-19, there are many more cases leading to long-term health issues. Despite the potential for severe side effects, evidence shows that the approved vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious cases of COVID and fatalities. Over 90% of the population vaccinated with these vaccines have been protected against severe complications and death.

A Personal Perspective

As a former retired Senior IT Project Manager from the Public Health Agency of Canada, I have a wealth of experience in vaccine-related issues. When faced with the decision to receive the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine, I chose the AstraZeneca without hesitation due to the potential risks of blood clots and the urgency of the situation. Given the current vaccination shortages, it is crucial to prioritize the vaccine that is most readily available, especially for high-risk individuals and frontline workers.

Conclusion

While the JJ vaccine pause is a precautionary measure in response to the reported cases of blood clots, the broader context of the pandemic should not be overlooked. The risks associated with blood clots from the JJ vaccine are extremely low compared to the ongoing threat of severe cases and fatalities from COVID-19. In making vaccination decisions, it is essential to weigh the individual risks and benefits, and prioritize the vaccine that offers the best protection against severe outcomes.

Stay informed, and make educated decisions about your health and the health of those around you.