Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Evanston’s Health & Human Services Department is temporarily pausing administration of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine until further notice following guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

The CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, out of more than 6.8 million doses given. Although these events appear to be extremely rare, COVID-19 vaccine safety remains a top priority for the City. 

Individuals who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who are experiencing severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after receiving the shot should contact their health care provider.

The City of Evanston has not administered the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at its community point of dispensing (POD) events, and has administered fewer than two dozen doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as part of its vaccination program for homebound individuals. The City will use the Moderna vaccine for future in-home vaccinations until the CDC and FDA have completed their review.

View the CDC and FDA Statement.