‘No Cause for Concern’ After J&J Vaccine Causes Site to Shut Down in Colorado

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center investigational pharmacy technician Sara Berech is reflected in the glass of a fume hood as she prepares a dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for a clinical trial in Aurora, Colo. on Dec. 15, 2020. Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

Colorado health officials said there is “no cause for concern” after a mass vaccination site in Commerce City was shut down following reports of adverse reactions to the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine against COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Officials shut down the site Wednesday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park after about a dozen people out of 1,700 experienced reactions such as dizziness and nausea.

Two people were taken to the hospital as a precaution, authorities said. On-site EMTs treated the other nine people with juice and water, officials told the Denver Post.

“After reviewing each patient’s symptoms, analyzing other vaccinations from the same lot of the vaccine and speaking with the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to confirm our findings, we are confident in saying that there is no reason for concern,” said Dr. Eric France, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s chief medical officer, in a statement on Thursday. He was responding to the reports of adverse reactions.

“We are committed to making sure every community clinic is well-staffed with medical professionals who take patient safety with the utmost seriousness, just as they did at yesterday’s clinic,” he added.

The health department also noted that the symptoms of the 11 people who experienced adverse reactions appear to be typical.

“In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain after getting the vaccine is not unusual. These symptoms show that your body’s immune system is responding to a vaccine. Other routine vaccines have similar side effects,” the Colorado Department of Public Health said.

Symptoms such as “feeling anxious or faint can be common when receiving a vaccination or any kind of medical procedure, like a blood draw,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, in the release. “When you go to your vaccine appointment, bring a beverage and a snack or a friend or family member to help offer some reassurance.”

Meanwhile, a vaccination site in Wake County, North Carolina, was also shut down Thursday following reports of 18 adverse reactions to the Johnson & Johnson CCP virus vaccine, officials said. About 2,300 vaccines were administered in two hours.

Fourteen of the 18 people had “minor reactions” and were treated on-site, while four others were taken to the hospital for further examination, officials said.

“Wake County made the decision to pause today in partnership with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and after consulting with the manufacturer,” Wake County officials added. “Together, these teams continue to investigate the issue.”