FDA, CDC rules Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine pause can be lifted

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said Friday that vaccine providers should resume their use of the Johnson and Johnson jab — after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended it was safe to do so. 

The CDC and the FDA said J&J’s one-dose shot should be made available again at vaccine sites after reviewing data showing it will help save lives and prevent hospitalizations despite the risk of extremely rare — but potentially deadly — blood clots. The chance of clots occurring is “very low,” Janet Woodcock, Acting FDA Commissioner, said at a press conference Friday night.