AMA Statement on ACIP Reaffirming Recommendation for Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine in U.S.

President, American Medical Association

“The AMA commends the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for today reaffirming its recommendation on the use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for persons 18 years of age and older in the U.S. population under the Food and Drug Association’s (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization. The population-level data presented during ACIP’s meeting today clearly demonstrates that the benefits of this approach outweigh the risks, which include becoming infected with COVID-19 and the potential for severe illness or death.

“The AMA will continue to work with the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure physicians and patients are aware of the rare, but increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) in women under the age of 50, as well as the appropriate treatment, so they can act quickly. The pause on the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine has demonstrated the strength of our nation’s vaccine safety monitoring system and the transparent and careful deliberations by the ACIP should raise confidence in FDA-authorized and CDC-recommended COVID-19 vaccines. The AMA continues to encourage everyone who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccines to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Even after being vaccinated, we urge everyone to continue wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing and washing hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to those who haven’t yet been vaccinated.”