Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Yesterday morning, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federal Drug Administration(FDA) issued a statement recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Accordingly, Mercy College suspended its vaccination clinic that was scheduled to be held that day on the Dobbs Ferry Campus.
This move was made out of an abundance of caution. The pause is related to six reported cases of blood clots among nearly 7 million Johnson & Johnson vaccinations that have been administered in the United States. According to the CDC and the FDA’s joint statement, “Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare. COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority for the federal government, and we take all reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination very seriously. People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider. To read the full statement, click here.
It is important to remember that some side effects from vaccines are normal. Although some people feel no side effects, you may feel light-headed or experience flu-like symptoms and headache after your vaccination. These side effects should resolve in a few days. To learn more, click here. If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and have any concerns please contact the Student Health Office at healthoffice@mercy.edu. If you are feeling unwell please contact your healthcare provider.
As the CDC and the FDA continue their evaluations, we will provide updates. For a list of current New York State operated vaccine locations, click here.
Sincerely,
Kevin Joyce
Vice President, Student Affairs