RIDOH pauses administration of Johnson & Johnson vaccine

PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) – Following the recent announcement that the country is calling for a halt on the use of the Johnson &  Johnson vaccine, The Rhode Island Department of Health issued a statement.

The Department of Health announced the pause of administration of the vaccine as federal partners continue to gather additional information.

According to RIDOH, no Johson & Johnson appointments had been scheduled for release on Tuesday when the announcement was made.

They are directing vaccinators that had made appointments to not administer the doses.

The Department says additional information will be shared regarding people who had already scheduled appointments.

No information reported to RIDOH has indicated that Johnson & Johnson vaccine represents a health or safety concern. However, RIDOH is taking this step in alignment with federal partners.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health also announced on social media they will be pausing their administration of the vaccine.