FDA reports increased risk of immune thrombocytopenia after J&J vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration has revised its provider and recipient fact sheets for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine due to reports of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a disorder that can cause easy or excessive bruising and bleeding due to very low platelet levels. According to the recipient fact sheet, the chance of ITP is “very low,” with symptoms in most cases occurring within 42 days after vaccination. FDA said it continues to monitor the level of potential excess risk with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Individuals with a history of ITP should discuss the risk with their health care provider and the potential need for platelet monitoring after vaccination, the fact sheets note.