NY Statement J&J Pause 04/13/21

Your health and well-being is our top priority at Tops Friendly Markets. Today the CDC and FDA issued a statement recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution. New York State will follow the CDC and FDA recommendation and pause the use of the Johnson & Johnsonvaccine statewide immediately today while these health and safety agencies evaluate next steps and Tops will follow suit.

Johnson and Johnson said its tracking of side effects revealed "At present, no clear causal relationship has been established between these rare events and the [Johnson & Johnson] COVID-19 vaccine."

If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the FDA at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-0332).

Following guidance from NYS, registered pharmacies can begin to vaccinate for COVID-19. At this time:

• Appointments are available for those 18 years of age and older
• Appointments can be scheduled online for your preferred Tops Pharmacy
• No walk-up appointments are available

What to expect:
Please arrive on time. Before you get your vaccine you will need to fill out a survey for New York State and read information about the vaccine you are receiving.
Next you will fill out a consent form, then we will answer any questions you have and collect your insurance information. There will be no cost to you but we do need to bill your insurance for the administration of the vaccine. Click here to print and fill out this form ahead of time.

After you receive your vaccine you will need to wait near the vaccination area just in case you have a reaction. Reactions to vaccines are rare but they do happen, so just in case, everyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine needs to stay near a healthcare provider for 15-30 minutes. (Read more)

When you’re ready to head home you’ll receive a card with information about the vaccine you’ve received. Please keep this card in a safe place and bring it to your second dose appointment.

Over the next few days while your body works to make antibodies you may experience mild flu-like symptoms. Arm soreness, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches are normal side effects, it’s even possible to get a fever. If you have any questions or concerns reach out to your primary care doctor or pharmacist. Any serious side effects like trouble breathing or swelling in the lips, face and tongue, call 911 or get to the emergency room immediately.

Don’t forget you need to get all the doses recommended to get the full benefit from your vaccine.

It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.

Further Information can be received by calling: 1-800-522-2522