Evanston’s Health & Human Services Department is temporarily discontinuing the distribution of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine until further notice per federal and state recommendation, according to a Tuesday news release.

Of the more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered in the U.S. as of April 12, six have led to reported cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot requiring atypical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration’s joint statement, all six cases led to symptoms six to 13 days after vaccination, occurring in women between the ages of 18 and 48.

While these side effects appear to be extremely rare, the CDC will review the implications of these cases Wednesday. The FDA will simultaneously investigate the cases and assess the CDC’s review.

Until then, the federal agencies recommend halting further use of the vaccine as a precautionary measure.

Evanston reported administering fewer than two dozen doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and intends to provide the Moderna vaccine for future vaccinations due CDC and FDA guidance.

The city recommends that individuals who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine reach out to their health care provider if they experience severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks of receiving this vaccine.

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— Illinois residents 16 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccine April 12