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Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Patient Education

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Jun.12.2023

SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) Vaccine Injection (Janssen)

What is this medication?

COVID-19 VACCINE (koh-vid 19 vak SEEN) reduces the risk of COVID-19. It does not treat COVID-19. It is still possible to get COVID-19 after receiving this vaccine, but the symptoms may be less severe or not last as long. It works by helping your immune system learn how to fight off a future infection. This vaccine is no longer approved for use by the FDA.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

How should I use this medication?

This vaccine is injected into a muscle. It is given by your care team.

Booster doses may be needed after finishing the primary series. Talk to your care team about your vaccination schedule.

A copy of the Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers will be given before each vaccination. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. This sheet may change often.

Talk to your care team about the use of this vaccine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
Change in vision
Heart muscle inflammation—unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands
Severe headache
Severe stomach pain
Trouble breathing
Usual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Chills
Fatigue
Fever
Headache
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Nausea
Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Swollen lymph nodes
Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This vaccine is only given by your care team. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

Any allergies
Bleeding disorder
Blood clots
Immune system problems
Recent or upcoming vaccine including previous COVID-19 vaccine
An unusual or allergic reaction to COVID-19 vaccine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

Certain medications that thin your blood
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Medications that lower your chance of fighting infection
Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team regularly.

This vaccine can cause a blood clotting problem called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). TTS is a rare but serious medical condition that can be deadly. Get medical help right away if you have a severe headache, change in vision, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, back pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, pain, swelling, or warmth in leg, or unusual bruising or bleeding.

This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone. Continue to follow all guidelines to prevent exposure.