Anxiety-Related Adverse Events – Janssen Vaccine

Angie SzumlinskiNews

“On April 7, 2021, after 5 weeks’ use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), CDC received reports of clusters of anxiety-related events after administration of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from five mass vaccination sites, all in different states. CDC interviewed staff members from the five mass COVID-19 vaccination sites that reported anxiety-related adverse event clusters after receipt of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, focusing on site capacity and layout, vaccination processes, timeline of reported events, and clinical follow-up.

Each of the five sites reported all anxiety-related events to VAERS; reports or each event were reviewed by CDC… An anxiety related event was defined as any of the following occurring in a person during the 15-minute post-vaccination observation period at any of the five sites reporting these clusters:

– Tachycardia (rapid heart rate),
– Hyperventilation (rapid breathing),
– Dyspnea (difficulty breathing),
– Chest pain,
– Paresthesia (numbness or tingling),
– Light-headedness,
– Hypotension (low blood pressure),
– Headache,
– Pallor,
– Syncope

The anxiety-related events described here were reported before reports of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reaffirmed its recommendation for the use of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine on April 23, 221; a warning for rare clotting events, primarily in women aged 18-49 years is now included by FDA in the EUA and provider and patient information sheets. Increased awareness of anxiety-related events after vaccination will enable vaccination providers to make an informed decision about continuing vaccinations.”

– Anxiety-Related Adverse Event Clusters After Janssen COVID-19 Vaccination — Five U.S. Mass Vaccination Sites, April 2021, CDC

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