Health Canada investigating reports Johnson &Johnson COVID-19 vaccine may be linked to extremely rare cases of blood clots

Health Canada says it is investigating reports the Johnson &Johnson COVID-19 vaccine may be linked to extremely rare cases of blood clots.

In a tweet, the Canadian drug regulator says it is following the issue closely and is working with the manufacturer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other international regulators.

Health Canada also says it has asked Janssen, the pharmaceutical arm of Johnson & Johnson, to provide information on any blood-clotting cases.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration issued a joint statement today recommending a "pause" in using the single-dose vaccine after six women developed blood clots after being vaccinated.

Health Canada on Twitter:

(1 of 2) HC is aware of the U.S.’ pause on the use of the Janssen #COVID19 vaccine due to reports of unusual blood clots. Health Canada authorized this vaccine on March 5; however, there have been no shipments to Canada. http://ow.ly/JYjx50Enxnz