Doctor: Pause of J&J vaccine could teach us lessons but hurt vulnerable populations Published: April 15, 2021 4:53 PM EDT Updated: April 15, 2021 5:26 PM EDT Recommended A decision on the future of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine could still be weeks away. A CDC panel is trying to figure out the best way to handle resuming the use of the vaccine after a handful of people developed blood clots and low platelet counts. The pause is meant to increase vaccine confidence and safety, but some fear it could harm the most vulnerable populations. “The initial pause was a very sensible thing to do because there was a lot we needed to explore,” said Dr. Ross McKinney, chief scientific officer with the Association of American Medical Colleges.