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On Tuesday, April 13, the CDC and FDA issued a joint statement regarding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

More than 6.8 million doses of that vaccine have been administered in the United States.

The two federal agencies are now reviewing data about “six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets. All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination.”

The joint statement continues: “Until that process is complete, we are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution. This is important, in part, to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.”

Regarding the CDC and FDA joint statement, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following statement:

“Our primary concern is the health and safety of all North Carolinians. Out of an abundance of caution, we are following the recommendations of the FDA and CDC and have paused the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine until we learn more. The safety system in place is working as it should. If you have an appointment for Pfizer or Moderna, please go to your appointment as planned. If you have an appointment for Johnson & Johnson, your appointment will be re-scheduled.”

In Dare County, those scheduled for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were called and offered a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Dare is offering two vaccine clinics this week. On Friday, April 16, a Moderna vaccine clinic is offered and on Saturday, April 17, a Pfizer vaccine clinic. Appointments are required and are still available for both of these clinics. Register online at darenc.com/covidvaccine or email covid19@darenc.com.

Albemarle Regional Health Services canceled Johnson & Johnson clinics scheduled for April 14, 15 and 16 in Currituck and Pasquotank counties. First and second doses of the Moderna vaccine are available April 14 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Camden Intermediate School, 123 Noblitt Rd. in Camden.

The Martin-Tyrrell-Washington District Health Department has a Wednesday, April 14, Moderna vaccine second dose clinic (and new walk-ins) scheduled at the W.C. Chance East End Cultural Center in Robersonville for anyone 18 years and older.

The Johnson & Johnson Clinic in Oak City on April 15 has been canceled.

Those interested are still able to schedule a Moderna vaccine shot with the health district in county health department sites by calling 252-793-3023.

COVID-19 Numbers

North Carolina – On April 13, the number of new cases was 1,364.

Hospitalizations of folks with coronavirus now number 1,032, up over 100 people since last week.

Sadly, 12,305 North Carolinians have died from coronavirus since March 2020. That number marks 122 additional coronavirus-related deaths as reported Wednesday, April 7.

Statewide COVID-19 vaccinations are available for all as of April 7.

In North Carolina, 41.5% of the adult population is partially vaccinated and just shy of 31% are fully vaccinated.

Nationally, as of April 12, USA Facts puts the percentage of people fully vaccinated at 20.49% and 36.8% partially vaccinated.

Dare County – For Dare County on April 12, the county’s health division is reporting a cumulative total of 3,032 positive cases, up by 32 cases since last week.

On April 12, the county reported 49 people with active positive cases. Some 48 are in home isolation. One person is hospitalized. No new deaths have been registered.

Dare County is ahead of the state totals. On the state’s dashboard, Dare has 42.2% partially vaccinated and 36.4% fully vaccinated.

Hyde County – As of April 9, 2021, the COVID-19 counts in Hyde County are 18 active cases and eight deaths. The total cumulative case count since March 2020 is 662 persons.

States the April 9 update from the Hyde County Health Department: “COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Hyde County. We have gone from zero cases at the end of March, to 18 active cases as of today. It is imperative that we obtain the COVID-19 vaccine AND continue to follow the 3 Ws guidelines.”

The update continues stating that of the 662 persons with cases, 40% are between the ages of 25-49 years, 61% male and 57% white and 74% have not been hospitalized.

In Hyde County, 45.2% of adults are partially vaccinated and 32.4% are fully vaccinated, according to the state’s COVID-19 dashboard.

Tyrrell County – In Tyrrell County, two active cases of coronavirus exist in the county as of April 12. No new cases were reported. Six individuals have died in the county due to coronavirus.

The percentage of partially vaccinated people is 29.1% and fully vaccinated, 23%.

Camden, Currituck, Pasquotank counties – Albemarle Regional Health Services has posted the following case information as of April 9:

Camden: 630 lab-confirmed cases, with two active cases. Camden County has lost five people to the coronavirus. In Camden, 25.2% of adults are partially vaccinated as of April 13. Some 19.4% are fully vaccinated, according to the state’s dashboard.

Currituck: 1,475 total lab-confirmed cases are counted. Some 10 cases are active. Currituck County has lost 15 people to coronavirus. In Currituck, the percentage of people partially vaccinated is 26%. The state’s dashboard reports 17.7% are fully vaccinated.

Pasquotank: 3,208 lab-confirmed cases. Active cases number nine. COVID-related deaths in the county number 80 people, noting one new death this past week. In Pasquotank, the percentage of adults partially vaccinated is 29.7%. The state’s dashboard reports 24.3% are fully vaccinated.

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