Last Updated on May 20, 2022 by Team THIP
Quick Take
A social media post claims that kids are getting hepatitis because of the J&J Covid vaccine as it has an adenovirus vector. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
A social media post says “Until proper long-term safety studies are done, it is every healthcare provider’s duty to assume it is related. Without safety, RISK is unknown at best and INFINITE at worst.
Another post states “ Kids are getting hepatitis. It’s caused by an adenovirus. J&J had an adenovirus vector. Couldn’t possibly be related.”
Fact-Check
How safe are J&J Covid vaccines?
The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) after assessing the quality, safety, and efficacy of the vaccine, recommended its use for people aged 18 and above.
This vaccine has also undergone review and is authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and found to be safe for use.
WHO too added the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine to the list of safe and effective emergency tools against COVID-19 on March 12, 2021. It did mention that there is a rare serious adverse event associated with its use “thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome”.
Who cannot be the recipient of J&J vaccine?
Till the date of publication of this article, according to the WHO, “Individuals with a history of anaphylaxis to any component of the vaccine, and children under the age of 18 years are not recommended for its use. Also, anyone with a body temperature over 38.5ºC should postpone vaccination until they no longer have a fever.”
Even the European Medicines Agency states that “COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen is not currently recommended for use in children. EMA has agreed with the company on a plan to conduct trials involving children.”
Which vaccines are recommended for children?
According to the National Health Service, only the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been approved for children aged between 5 to 15. Children will be given the Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine for both doses.
As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India, COVID-19 Vaccination of children in the age group of 15-18 years was started on January 03, 2022. For such beneficiaries, the vaccination option is only ‘Covaxin’.
Are kids getting hepatitis because of the J&J Covid vaccine?
No. J&J Covid vaccine is not authorized to be used in children below the age of 18 years. Therefore, it is not possible for children to suffer from Hepatitis because of the J&J vaccine as they were not allowed to be vaccinated with it.
Hence, the claim stands false until proven otherwise.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
