Following government recommendations, the VA Butler Healthcare and other VA facilities temporarily halted distribution of the Johnson & Johnson-manufactured COVID-19 vaccine.

The VA Butler Healthcare made the decision Tuesday after the Federal Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made a joint statement warning against a “rare and severe” blood clot reported in six of the 6.8 million people in the country who received the vaccination.

The government said it was reviewing the data for the U.S. reported cases and, in the meantime, it recommended halting the distribution of the vaccine. Butler VA continues to offer the Moderna version of the vaccine, which the VA said is “proven to be safe and effective.”

Those who were schedule for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been contacted and rescheduled for the other vaccine, according to a Butler VA spokeswoman.

The reported cases all involved women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred six to 13 days after vaccination. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia).

The joint statement didn't have information on the status of the six women, but they said the CDC would conduct a meeting Wednesday to review these cases further and decide what to do with the vaccinations.

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

The Butler VA began COVID-19 vaccinations Dec. 22, with the arrival of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. So far, they have provided 13,964 first and second dose vaccines to 7,841 veterans.

And, as of last month per the SAVE LIVES Act, any veteran is eligible who served in the military regardless of enrollment and eligibility, along with veteran spouses and caregivers, and other individuals as identified in the act. Appointments are required for the COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Those interested can call 878-271-6753 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.