News Flash

For Immediate Release

04/15/2021    

COVID-19 Information

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVID-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Vaccine Information

Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVIDvaccine
Onsite at vaccine clinics: Text rocopod to 888777 or tune into 88.7 FM for updates
Follow Us: www.facebook.com/rowancountyhealth 

Rowan County COVID-19 Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

Should You be Concerned if You’ve Already Gotten the J&J Vaccine?

With the recent pause of the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) vaccine, you might be a little concerned if you recently received this one-dose shot. With that said, Dr. Anne Schuchat, CDC Principal Deputy Director, shared that individuals that recently got the vaccine should be aware of certain symptoms; but the risk is very low for anyone, especially if you received the J&J vaccine more than a month ago.

For anyone who recently got the vaccine, they should be aware of certain symptoms. According to Dr. Schuchat, "If you've received the vaccine in last couple of weeks and develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath, you should contact your health care provider and seek medical treatment immediately.” Please note that these symptoms are quite different and more critical than the mild flu-like symptoms, fever and so forth, that many people experience within the first day or two after being vaccinated.

The CDC and FDA stated that in the known six cases of this blood clotting health issue, "a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets, which is known as thrombocytopenia." It was also noted that of the known CVST cases, most have occurred between the first three weeks after the J&J vaccination was received. Fortunately for most, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, CVST only affects about 5 people in 1 million each year, so the risk is very low. 

Please note that although the J&J vaccine is on pause temporarily to ensure the public’s safety, there have been no reports of CVST related to the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. Federal health officials continue to stress that if you have an appointment to receive a Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, you should plan to get your two shots as soon as possible. 

This Saturday, April 17^th starting at 8:30 am, Rowan County Public Health and Rowan County Emergency Services are partnering with Livingstone College to host a 1^st Dose Clinic. At this clinic, we will be offering the Pfizer vaccine which is safe for anyone 16 years and older. Appointments are still available. If you are interested in making an appointment, please contact our Call Center at 980-432-1800; Option 1 or visit our county website to make appointment online. Walk-ins are also welcome before 1 pm. 

In closing, we want to thank you for your continued patience as we work towards ensuring that all Rowan County citizens that want a vaccine can receive one in a safe way. In addition to this, we want to highly encourage everyone to still practice the 3W’s and to get tested for COVID, if you are not feeling well or if you have been in contact with someone who has had the virus. Only with your help, can we stop the spread of the coronavirus and any of the variants that may be lurking within our community.

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Contact:
Amy Smith
704-216-8859
amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - April 15, 2021 (PDF)