The MMA released the following media statement shortly after Tuesday’s US FDA recommendation, and Governor Mills’ call the pause administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine.

News: For Immediate Release

Additional Information Contact: 

Dan Morin, Director of Communications & Government Affairs 

(207) 838-8613 – mobile 

DMorin@MaineMed.com 

MMA PRESIDENT STATEMENT ON JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE 

MANCHESTER, (April 13, 2021) --- Today, the US Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a pause in the use of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson out of an abundance of caution after six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. 

Shortly after, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced they were not aware of any reports of these cases in Maine residents. Given this recommendation, the State of Maine is also advising that providers pause administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until the U.S. CDC’s scientific advisory committee has further reviewed the safety data. 

MMA President, Karen Saylor, M.D., applauded the move but cautioned, “The reported events are extremely rare, and it has not yet been proven that the vaccine caused the reported blood clots.” She added, “Pausing administration of J&J doses is the right move as all safety concerns should be investigated immediately and thoroughly. This shows our regulatory agencies are doing their job and placing safety first.” 

About the Maine Medical Association:

The MMA was founded in 1853 and represents all of Maine's physicians, residents & medical students across all clinical specialties, organizations, and practice settings.