Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health Statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

Following a thorough safety review by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health (MCNDH) has resumed distribution and administration of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

On April 13, the MCNDH paused administration of the Janssen vaccine to allow the FDA and CDC to review data involving cases of a rare type of blood clot in individuals receiving the vaccine. A comprehensive analysis performed by CDC and FDA medical and scientific teams has resulted in the recommendation that the benefits of the Janssen vaccine outweigh the risks and administration should resume. Side effects are extremely rare and there have been no reported cases for vaccinations administered by MCNDH.

As of April 26, 2021, the MCNDH resumed the use of the Janssen vaccine for individuals ages 18 and older. MCNDH will continue to offer the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines as well. Janssen’s one-dose vaccination is an alternative to the two-dose, mRNA vaccines.

Vaccination remains one of our best tools for stopping the spread of COVID-19. To date, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has administered 30,867 first and second doses to both the Native and non-Native populations. Information on upcoming vaccination clinics or to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit www.creekhealth.org/covidvaccine