The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is once again being administered across the United States following a brief pause to investigate rare blood clot cases. Federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have concluded that the vaccine is safe and effective.

The decision to resume vaccinations comes after a thorough review of available data. The agencies determined that the benefits of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in preventing COVID-19 outweigh the very small risk of rare blood clots.

Updated guidance has been issued to healthcare providers regarding the identification and treatment of these rare blood clots, should they occur. The FDA has also updated the vaccine’s fact sheet to include information about the risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

The resumption of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine rollout is expected to boost vaccination efforts across the country, particularly in areas where logistical challenges make it difficult to administer other vaccines that require ultra-cold storage.

Health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination in protecting against COVID-19 and its variants. They encourage individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible.