The Food and Drug Administration has updated the recommendations for use for the single-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, saying that the formula should only be given to people who cannot take the mRNA vaccines, Politico reports.
The decision was made after a review of data regarding cases of thrombosis of thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS, a rare and sometimes fatal blood condition that causes clots and low platelet counts 10 days to two weeks after inoculation. The FDA reasoned that with the availability and safety of the two mRNA vaccines, from Pfizer and Moderna, allow the agency to pull back the J&J recommendation.
“Our action reflects our updated analysis of the risk of [thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome] following administration of this vaccine and limits the use of the vaccine to certain individuals,” Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement. “We recognize that the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine still has a role in the current pandemic response in the United States and across the global community … The agency will continue to monitor the safety of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine and all other vaccines.”