Northern Valley Indian Health pauses use of J&J vaccine

Northern Valley Indian Health has temporarily suspended administering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

All patients currently scheduled for a vaccine appointment will be offered Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, NVIH announced Wednesday.

The decision comes after the FDA and CDC recommended organizations pause the administration of the vaccine due to potential adverse effects, as six women between the ages of 18 and 48 have reported blood clots. The pause will remain in effect while a review is conducted.

“In the best interest of our patients, with immediate effect we are halting the administration of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine in light of the recent steps taken by the FDA and CDC,” stated Inder Wadhwa, CEO of NVIH. “We are offering Pfizer or Moderna to our patients.”

Wadhwa highlighted that safety is extremely important to his company.

As of now, adverse effects related to the Janssen vaccine appear to be extremely rare. Any person who has received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine should contact their healthcare provider if they develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within the three weeks.

As of Tuesday, the county was not aware of any adverse effects to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in Yolo County residents.

Individuals interested in obtaining a Pfizer or Moderna

vaccine through NVIH can call 530-781-1447 or visit www.nvih.org to register for an appointment. NVIH is offering vaccines to all community members ages 16 and over that live or work in Butte, Glenn, Tehama, Colusa and Yolo counties.

Vaccine clinics are being offered in Woodland on Thursdays at the NVIH building at 175 W. Court

St. There are plans to hold mass vaccine clinics in the coming weeks.

Northern Valley Indian Health’s Board of Directors is comprised of a consortium of tribes: the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, the Grindstone Indian Rancheria of Wintun-Wailaki Indians, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, and the Kletsel Dehe Band of Wintun Indians.