How a pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine will affect appointments in Florida

Federal health officials on Tuesday announced that they are recommending a "pause" on the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after six cases of a rare type of blood clotting following vaccination were reported in the United States.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Federal health officials on Tuesday announced that they are recommending a "pause" on the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after six cases of a rare type of blood clotting following vaccination were reported in the United States.

There are several sites and pharmacies in Florida that administer the Johnson & Johnson.

A mobile vaccination event scheduled for Tuesday at the Salvation Army was set to administer doses of the vaccine. However, a worker told FOX 35's Sydney Cameron that they were "packing up & going home" following the announcement.

How a pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine will affect appointments in Florida

Currently, there are several sites in Central Florida that administer the Johnson & Johnson, including Publix pharmacies.

The Blanchard Park YMCA said they will not do vaccines as scheduled at 10 a.m.

At the state-run site at Valencia College West Campus, people were lined up on Tuesday morning where the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was offered. FOX 35 News learned that the site is only offering second doses on Tuesday. They are also looking to see if they can supplement their Johnson & Johnson doses with Moderna or Pfizer.

Orange County intended to use the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for outreach events but those are on pause now. They continue to plan to use Pfizer and Moderna at the Orange County Convention Center vaccination site.

Similarly, Osceola County said that they intended to use the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for a homebound program but has switched to Pfizer vaccine with no interruptions.

Seminole County said that they have already administered 3,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson in early March. They received another 500 for homebound visits but have paused those momentarily.

Publix Pharmacies confirmed to FOX 35 on Tuesday afternoon that they will suspend the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at all of its pharmacy locations, following CDC and FDA guidance. Moderna will continue to be given at the stores.

CVS also said that they have canceled any appointments for the Johnson & Johnson vaccines. They told FOX 35 that they will continue to offer both Pfizer and Moderna shots.

"We regret any inconvenience and will follow up with affected customers to reschedule their appointments as soon as possible," CVS said.

Governor Ron DeSantis says they are respecting the CDC's decision and that Florida will follow the recommendation and pause J&J usage. The governor said Florida will monitor what the CDC does for the time being.

CDC: FDA to call for ‘pause’ to Johnson and Johnson vaccine usage

Federal health officials are recommending a "pause" on the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after six cases of a rare type of blood clotting following vaccination were reported in the United States. Dr. Jason Littleton talks to Good Day Orlando about the latest developments.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a joint statement Tuesday that the pause of the single-dose vaccine is "out of an abundance of caution" while the agencies investigate the cases.

The clots were reported in six women in the days after vaccination, in combination with reduced platelet counts.

"Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare," the statement said. "Treatment of this specific type of blood clot is different from the treatment that might typically be administered."

Watch FOX 35 News for the latest updates.