County Pauses Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
Per Montgomery County:
Following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Montgomery County health officials announced today that they will pause the use of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine after six women recipients who were between 18 and 48 nationwide developed rare episodes involving blood clots within two weeks of vaccination. The decision to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine comes after more the 6.8 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in the United States. The CDC and the FDA will examine possible links between the vaccine and the blood clots and determine whether the FDA should continue to authorize use of the vaccine.
“While questions remain about the rare occurrence of blood clots in some individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, we are operating from an abundance of caution in pausing the use of the vaccine for our residents. To date, we have not had any reported cases to us involving Montgomery County residents,” said Dr. Travis Gayles, Montgomery County health officer. “Anyone who has received the J&J vaccine and develops a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider. If a health care provider has a patient reporting the above symptoms following vaccination, they are asked to report these events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.”
The County had approximately 960 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on hand for appointments today at the mass vaccination site in Germantown. Those doses will be substituted with first doses of the Pfizer vaccine. No other County-operated vaccination sites are currently using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“This morning’s news regarding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is causing concern for many and it is understandable,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Although the cases of adverse reactions to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are extremely rare, I applaud the decision by the FDA, CDC, and MDH (Maryland Department of Health) to immediately pause the use of this vaccine as a precaution. I am one of millions who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and I have felt no side effects. Until further notice our health department will be substituting Pfizer doses for the Johnson & Johnson doses. At this point, we will continue to monitor the situation and we will keep you informed as we learn more. I encourage anyone who has received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to continue to follow developing news on this situation and follow the advice of health experts.”
The County received 7,020 doses of Pfizer this week, a decrease from last week’s delivery of 10,730 doses. If there are any additional changes to clinic schedules, the County will notify people who have appointments.
Recent Stories
With recent rumors of Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels not wanting to play in Washington, his publicist Denise White has made it clear that Daniels is excited to be…
Montgomery County Police and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to an incident in Silver Spring on Thursday, April 18.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has released his weekly message to the community. It can be seen below:
John F. Kennedy High School entered into a shelter-in-place on Friday, April 19, after an incident involving a trespasser with a knife.
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
