Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Re-authorized in Washington State

Governor Jay Inslee announced Saturday that the Western States Scientific Safety Review Group has re-authorized the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 shot after the FDA and CDC also gave the vaccine their approval.

Inslee said cases of blood clots in women have been extremely rare, nearly 1 in a million.

“The benefits of the J&J vaccine outweigh the risks associated with it,” Inslee said. “We want to keep as many people free from COVID and out of the hospital as possible, and the J&J vaccine will help us get through this pandemic. I encourage people to get whatever vaccine is available to them. If you have questions or concerns, consult a provider to help answer questions you have.”

The CDC said on Friday that a total of 15 cases of blood clots have been reported nationwide. All the cases occurred in women between the ages of 18 and 59, occurring six to 15 days after vaccination.