Leader Sykes statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine pause

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued the below statement as the Food and Drug Administration (FD) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) today recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine following extremely rare reactions of six vaccine recipients among the nearly 7 million Americans who have already received the vaccine.

“It is understandable that people are concerned by this news, and I agree that the right thing to do is to pause and take stock of what’s happening. I encourage everyone with concerns to talk with their doctor or a trusted medical provider and to seek the most accurate and up-to-date information as you consider scheduling your vaccinations. If you are scheduled for a vaccine from the other FDA approved brands, please keep your appointment, but be sure to talk with a trusted medical provider if you have any questions. 

“Adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines are rare, but we all know the effects of coronavirus can be deadly, as more than 18,000 Ohioans have died from this disease and many more continue to live with life altering conditions. Vaccines remain the best, most effective tool we have to control this virus, and I will continue to monitor this situation as we await guidance and next steps from the FDA and CDC.”