By Tim Mastro

DOVER — Delaware is resuming its distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after recommendations from the federal government.

The vaccine was put on pause as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated a risk of blood clots. The investigation ended last Friday as the FDA and CDC lifted an 11-day pause on the single-dose vaccine.

Delaware Division of Public Health director Dr. Karyl Rattay said Wednesday pharmacies have begun making appointments again for the J&J vaccine and the state plans to use it at some of their state-run clinics this weekend.

“We hope that pause gave everyone confidence the safety system works,” Dr. Rattay said during a COVID-19 virtual town hall Wednesday night. “The issue that triggered the pause is really very rare.”

This weekend is the last weekend of the state’s mass vaccination clinic at Dover International Speedway before it needs to be taken down to prep for the upcoming NASCAR race. State officials have stated they wanted the last weekend of the clinic to use the one-dose J&J vaccine so those who attended would not need to worry about finding their second dose elsewhere.

Another J&J event is happening on Sunday at Wilmington’s Chase Center. Those interested in these weekend events can register by visiting  here. A list of other available events is also available at this website.

Dr. Rattay said individuals do not need to be on the state’s waiting list to sign up for these events.

The federal government’s investigation of the J&J vaccine uncovered less than 20 vaccine recipients who developed a blood clot, out of nearly 8 million people who received the vaccine. All were women, most under the age of 50. Three died and seven were hospitalized as of last weekend.

CDC advisers asked for the vaccine to come with warnings about the risk.

“Those scientists who took a hard look at the science around this and the events that occurred, believe strongly that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its risk,” Dr. Rattay said. “We agree and we’re very excited we have resumed.”

Dr. Rattay said those looking for vaccines should also contact their local pharmacy and medical provider.

“If you haven’t checked with your pharmacy or your medical provider lately, you should do so,” she said. “Pharmacies and hospitals are seeing appointment opportunities go unfilled and are currently taking appointments. You might be able to get an appointment right in your neighborhood, even if you couldn’t a couple weeks ago.”