FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwest District Health Pauses the Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Effective immediately the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine is paused at all Southwest District Health clinics across the six-county jurisdiction. 

The decision was made by Southwest District Health (SWDH) following the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The recommendation was issued by the FDA and the CDC following severe adverse reactions that have been experienced by six individuals following vaccination with Johnson & Johnson vaccine. These situations are rare, and none of the six individuals that experienced severe adverse reactions were within SWDH’s jurisdiction. SWDH is taking a proactive response to help preserve the health and safety of the communities we serve.

People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.

If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, please call the Southwest District Health COVID-19 Call Center at 208-455-5411. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM (MST), except for observed holidays. 

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Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

All Idahoans aged 16+ can now access COVID-19 vaccine in Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Effective immediately, any Idaho residents 16 years and older are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in the six counties served by SWDH.

Of note, only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for those ages 16 and 17. The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines are both authorized for use in those 18-years and older.

The decision to expand access across the six-county region was based on the input provided by vaccine partners.

Making a COVID-19 vaccine appointment

An updated list of enrolled vaccine providers may be found on the SWDH website. The list is updated frequently as more providers are enrolled and begin receiving vaccine allocations or other changes.

Residents are encouraged to use the State’s vaccine pre-registration tool at covidvaccine.idaho.gov. The pre-registration tool allows Idahoans to be added to a list. That list is used by enrolled vaccine providers to directly connect with those currently eligible for vaccine.

If you need assistance by phone to navigate the State’s pre-registration tool or navigate the SWDH Enrolled Vaccine Provider list, or if you do not have internet access, please call the Southwest District Health COVID-19 Call Center 208-455-5411. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM (MST) except for observed holidays.

Information Resources

• Southwest District Health COVID-19 Call Center 208-455-5411 available Monday-Friday (except observed holidays) 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
• COVID-19 Vaccine Webpage https://swdh.id.gov/covid19/#Vaccine
• Region 3 Enrolled Vaccine Provider List https://swdh.id.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/COVID-19-Vaccine-Location-R3-List-0329021-Eng-Span-locations.pdf 
• Information for Business Webpage: https://swdh.id.gov/covid-19-vaccine-priority-group-2-3-resources-for-businesses/

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Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov