Doctors
at Yale Medicine are reminding patients that a pause is different than a halt
and that those who already received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should
not panic.
Dr.
George Goshua, a blood specialist, says 20% of ICU COVID-19 patients show some
blood clotting. Of around 7 million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
administered so far in the U.S., six women have developed clots.
Dr.
Goshua says clinical trials of AstraZeneca's vaccine, which uses a similar
delivery method, have shown a similar remote risk. He says to watch out for
worsening headaches, abdominal pains and diarrhea.
“We
would expect those symptoms to be occurring somewhere in the one- to two-week range,”
he says. “But regardless, because we don't know enough, I'm telling folks to
watch for these symptoms even in the first couple of days and contact your
doctor if you have those. Because there are things we can do."
Dr.
Goshua says one of the best ways to help prevent blood clots is simply by
standing and adding some movement to your day. He recommends taking walks to
break up long periods at a desk or on the couch.