FSM Information Services
Press Release
FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs Authorizes Resumption of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—The Department of Health & Social Affairs (DHSA) of the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), after careful review with partners such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (U.S. CDC), has authorized the resumption of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine across the FSM.
The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine was temporarily put on hold throughout the FSM while medical experts reviewed a possible correlation between female recipients of the vaccine with low platelets and blood clots. To the knowledge of the FSM National Government, approximately six (6) women in the United States of America—out of more than six million and eight hundred thousand people (6,800,000)—experienced a rare blood clot in the weeks after taking the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
There has not been a reported case of adverse reaction as a result of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in the FSM.
After careful review of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine administration in the FSM, inclusive of consultation with U.S. CDC, DHSA is authorizing to the FSM State Governments and the Community Health Centers (CHC), the only COVID-19 vaccine providers in the FSM, to resume administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, with proper education and counseling on the limited risks associated with the vaccine.
The Government continues to monitor the administration of both the Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines for any potential adverse reactions. The Government is confident that both COVID-19 vaccines are safe.
Taking the vaccine contributes to an individual’s, a family’s, and the broader society’s protection against the Pandemic. The Government recommends that all members of the public who have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine do so at their nearest convenience.
