Federal Officials Investigate Case Of Woman's Death In Oregon After Receiving Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine. (Source: northwell.edu)

JAKARTA - Oregon health officials said federal officials were investigating the death of a woman in her 50s, who had rare blood clots and low platelets, two weeks after receiving Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) became aware of the investigation on Tuesday, two days after the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began an investigation, the agency said.

The woman, whose name was not identified, received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine before the CDC ordered a vaccine stop, amid fears it could cause dangerous clots.

"The woman had a rare but serious blood clot in combination with a very low platelet count," the OHA said in a statement, according to the Korea Times, Friday, April 23.

Senior health advisor to Dr. OHA. Shimi Sharief, said the woman's symptoms were consistent with other cases, severe headaches, stomach pain, leg pain or shortness of breath.

"Health officials refused to release further details, including the date the woman received the vaccine or where she lived in Oregon, citing patient privacy. The woman was hospitalized before she died," Sharief said.

However, the OHA explained that until the investigation, which is predicted to take at least a week, is complete, this death is not certain because of the vaccine.

Federal and state agencies halted the launch of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on April 13, over concerns about blood clots. The CDC warns that if people develop symptoms within three weeks of receiving the vaccine, they should contact their health care provider.

"For most people who receive the vaccine (Johson & Johnson), we are nearing the end of the time when they need to monitor symptoms," said Sharief.

Federal officials are known to have examined six reports of unusual freezing, including death, from the more than 8 million Americans who have so far been given the single dose vaccination.

In addition, the CDC also told Texas health authorities that a woman in the state was hospitalized, with possible blood clots associated with recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The government's advisory committee on vaccines is expected to meet this Friday to make recommendations in the immediate aftermath of the continued use of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine.