Thread by @julie_kelly2

Listening to FDA/CDC call. This clot has been found in women ages 18-49. One patient died, one in critical condition. FDA will revise fact sheet to include adverse reaction info. Says events are extremely rare.

Doctors are advised that people who present low platelet count should inquire whether the patient has been vaccinated with JJ shot.

Meeting tomorrow to review data. Keep in mind this vaccine has only been widely available for less than 2 months.

Admits “many people” experience fever, headaches, pain, etc after all vaccines.

Advises anyone who has severe symptoms to JJ go to doctor.

Reporters ask how long for pause, FDA says a matter of days. (Why a rush?)

“Subsets” of population might be advised against taking JJ shot.

Reporter asks what’s causing clots. FDA doctor “speculates” it’s an immune response but can’t say for sure. But only has a “hypothesis.”

Bloomberg reporter worried this will stoke “vaccine hesitancy” and what the “messaging” will be to counter vaccine skeptics. FDA says the threat of pandemic is far worse than risk of vaccine.

Reporter asks about link to birth control pills since all victims are child bearing ago. FDA doc says no link confirmed or how many more cases will happen over the next few weeks.

Asked about risk factors—docs say they need “more time” to review. They don’t know why.

Docs suggest JJ might halt production of 2-dose vaccine.

Also admits “flu like symptoms” for first few days from JJ shot but it’s not serious. But people with very severe headache or blood clots (?), pain in legs or abdomen should go to hospital.