A 30-year-old King County resident died from a rare blood clotting syndrome, after receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
On 26th August, a 30-year-old resident of King County, Washington received the single dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. According to a statement by the Public Health – Seattle & King County, the woman later passed away on 7th September. CDC’s Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project reported her cause of death as thrombosis from thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). This is King County’s first death from the rare vaccine-related blood clotting syndrome. However, it’s not the first time that the J&J vaccine has been linked to causing complications or deaths. So far, the CDC has confirmed 3 other deaths from TTS related to the vaccine.
Public Health will continue to monitor the evolving science and the guidance from the federal government. Vaccines remain our best defense against the pandemic, and we urge all eligible county residents to complete their vaccination series as soon as possible.
Public Health – Seattle & King County
Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)
Thrombocytopenia Syndrome presents with low platelet levels and the formation of blood clots. The blood clots most commonly occur in the brain, veins of the leg, abdomen, and other internal organs. Both AstraZeneca and J&J vaccines have led to cases of TTS among its recipients. All post-vaccination cases in the US have occurred among women. According to the CDC, TTS occurs at a rate of 7 per 1 million vaccinated women between 18 and 49 years old. Symptoms include severe headaches, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, chest pain, leg swelling and tiny blood spots under the skin.
Earlier this year, the FDA and CDC paused the rollout of the J&J vaccine in the US. The temporary halt came after six cases of a rare and severe blood clot came forward among the vaccine recipients. However, shortly after they lifted the temporary halt. The health regulators conducted an analysis of the vaccine’s safety profile and concluded that its benefits far outweigh the risks. Moreover, they attached a warning for the risk of blood clots with the vaccine. And gave health authorities instructions on how to treat these blood clotting disorders.
Women younger than 50 years old, especially, should be aware of the rare but increased risk of this adverse event, and they should know about other available COVID-19 vaccine options for which this risk has not been seen.
CDC
Source: Public Health Insider
