Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. MONTPELIER â State officials anticipate hearing news about how to proceed with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine soon. At the twice weekly news conference on Vermontâs response to the pandemic, Gov. Phil Scott said federal officials expect a decision regarding restrictions with the vaccine will be announced Friday. âNo firm commitment,â he said, having just gotten off a call with White House officials and other governors, âbut thatâs the speculation.â Last week, Vermont followed recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that states should pause administration of the J&J vaccine after a rare form of blood clot affected six of the approximately 6.8 million recipients of the vaccine. All six cases were in women between the ages of 18 and 48; there was one death and all remained under investigation.