Coronavirus vaccination: Risk factors of Johnson and Johnson vaccine, and who may not take it

The Johnson and Johnson, Jannsen vaccine is the latest coronavirus vaccine to be granted emergency nod for approval in India. The single-dose, one-of-a-kind COVID vaccine shot that boasts of high efficacy and protection rates has also been shown to neutralize some antibodies against the infectious Delta variant, and just a single dose injection would be able to scale up immunization drives right now.

Yet, it is not a vaccine that hasn't met with its fair share of criticism. While the vaccine has been developed in a short timeline, despite powerful efficacy data and findings, there have been some unpleasant side-effects that have been observed with the use of the vaccine. While relatively safer for general use, the vaccine may not be suitable for some people, and there may be some who may want to go for alternatives

Most common side-effects with the administration of the vaccine range from flu-like symptoms to pain at the injection site, much like with other vaccines in use. However, there have also been some unusual and 'rare' side-effects that have been observed amongst those who have been administrated the one-shot vaccine.

Just like the Astrazeneca vaccine (Covishield), the COVID-19 vaccine shot, first approved for use in the USA has been associated with a risk of certain complications and side-effects, such as thrombotic events (blood clotting disorders) and neurological complications.

Jannsen COVID-19 vaccine, which is an adenovirus vector vaccine has been found to be slightly unsafe for some, and cause a heightened risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), which is a neurological autoimmune disorder. Reports of rare thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) have also been witness amongst women below the age of 50 in some countries, which also led to a pause over the use of the same. Hence, even with strong protection rates, there are certain risk factors and conditions which may make some consider opting for an alternative. With the J&J vaccine, here are people who may want to weigh in their risk-factors and take the right decision, as and when the vaccine is made publically available:

Currently, the risk of blood clotting disorders runs the highest with J&J vaccines, followed by the Astrazeneca vaccine. The thrombosis risk, termed to be rare and potentially life-threatening was first identified some months back and led to a pause in the usage of the vaccine. The risk of blood clotting was found to be the highest amongst the younger, healthier age groups- women under the age of 50. Therefore, someone with an identified risk of thrombocytopenia and blood clots would be safer considering an alternative to the J&J vaccine. Further, clinical advisories now state that people with a prior history of immune-mediated thrombosis, or heparin-induced blood clots should avoid getting the vaccine for at least 90-120 days post the advent of their illness. People with a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), however, can safely get the vaccine.

It should be remembered that while it would be still safe and the vaccine still efficacious for use, there can be a slightly higher risk of developing blood clots.

People suffering from autoimmune conditions have an extremely high likelihood for COVID-19 and need to be prioritized for vaccination. However, having said that, the risk of undue side-effects, and neurological complications, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is a nervous system disorder flared by autoimmune reactions can be a risk factor to take into consideration before getting the vaccine.

An autoimmune condition or troubled immunity could make it easier for not just chronic infections to creep in, but raise the risk of developing unusual, often severe allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines. Particularly, as has been seen, there can be a slightly higher risk of allergies or nervous disorders tied to autoimmune conditions.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are now eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and in most parts of the world, actively advised to do so. Even though vaccines have been shown to limit serious complications linked to a COVID infection during gestation, with the J&J vaccine, women who are expecting may be advised to consider due factors and side-effects, if they are at a high-risk group. This is because, during pregnancy, there is a higher risk of DVT (deep-vein thrombosis), which goes up to its highest amongst women who have just given birth (upto 6 weeks postpartum). Again, while the risks definitely outweigh the benefits of vaccination, pregnant and lactating women should definitely consult their doctor before getting the jab, and know when, and what may be a better vaccine candidate for them to pick.

Adverse, allergic reactions to vaccines can quell a reason to fear and make a person prone to developing certain complications with the usage. While we still do not know the exact likelihood of developing the reaction, a person who is sensitive or has a prior history of allergies or reaction to one or the other ingredients found in the vaccine may prefer avoiding it for a better alternative or weighing in neccessary risks before the scheduled appointment. Awareness and examining possible risks will also mitigate the risks of undue reactions, and help seek treatment in time.