Man, good questions following my last post. Here are a few answers…
1. For those of you that are worried that you just got a JJ vaccine (especially younger, women)…
Remember, these events are very, very rare. If you have had the vaccine in the past 3 weeks, keep an eye on your symptoms (if they arise). If you develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination, contact your health care provider.
2. “Is this due to birth control or hormones?”
We don’t know and certainly something that, I assume, is being investigated.
3. "Is this rate of blood clots higher than the background rate?"
I honestly don't know, but this question is critical and we will be answering it quickly. For the AstraZeneca investigation, I know their rates were higher than the general population rate.
4. “The reason for these adverse events is due to the biotechnology being used, not per say because the adenovirus vaccines were rushed, correct?”
That is correct. The clinical trial was rigorous, clean, and was not rushed. All the correct processes were in place (and adhered to) for the JJ clinical trial (and Moderna and Pfizer). We *think* this is due to the biotechnology, but we aren’t sure why or the underlying biological reasons. This is currently being investigated.
5. “Will this seriously impact the US vaccine campaign and delay our return to normal?”
Yes, it will seriously impact the US vaccine campaign. I think, though, in terms of hesitancy (like we’ve seen in Europe) rather than in terms of availability. So, yes it will delay our return to normal. If the CDC and FDA decide (after scientists review the evidence) that JJ cannot be distributed (which I highly doubt will be the case- from what it sounds like the benefits still outweigh risk), then this will also delay availability of vaccines. We will know more tomorrow.
6. “Are the low platelets cause by the reaction to the vaccine or did these patients already have low platelets?”
It looks like the low platelets are caused by the reaction to the vaccine.
More questions??
I will try and get to answering them tonight.
Love, YLE
You are amazing. Thank you for so quickly sharing and responding to questions.
Would you recommend against baby aspirin as preventative after the J&J vaccine because of the low platelets?