Michiana Reacts to Johnson and Johnson 'pause'

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced Tuesday they were recommending a pause on the United States' rollout of the Johnson and Johnson single dose vaccine after six cases of rare blood clots were identified among women who have gotten that vaccine. As a result, Michiana community members said they're having to adjust their vaccination plans.

"It's making me not want it more and more," said Curtis Newcomer, who was on the fence about getting vaccinated at all. "I don't even think I should get it now because if it's causing that, what makes you think it's not going to cause the Corona or anything?"

Health officials have maintained that you cannot get COVID-19 by taking any of the three vaccine options.

Kathleen Tomlinson has already gotten her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and said she's scheduled for her second on Thursday. She said Tuesday's announcement had her feeling lucky.

"I didn't know it was going to come down to this," Tomlinson said. "So, I'm glad I did get the Pfizer one. That way I won't have to deal with a blood clot and all that with the Johnson and Johnson."

Not everyone said they were ready to ditch the Johnson and Johnson vaccine altogether. The South Bend Clinic has been hosting trials for that vaccine for several months now. Participants in the trials have gotten the vaccine already, and while the initial news aroused concern, at least one participant said she still believes in the Johnson and Johnson option.

"Obviously, anytime there's any issues, it's always concerning, but as far as not telling people I wouldn't get the vaccine if I had the opportunity again, I think the benefits definitely outweigh the risk," Kelli Trail, a trial participant, said.

Trail said she was so confident in the efficacy and had so little problem with any side effect, that she remained active in the days following her shot.

"I'm a very active person," Trail said. "Actually, a week after I got my vaccine, I ran a seven-mile road race. So, I wouldn't deter anyone from getting the vaccine."

Neither the CDC nor the FDA have officially announced how long this pause will last on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine while they evaluate their options.