Europe’s top regulator weighs in on J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine

Hello,

Welcome to Insider Healthcare. I'm Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer, and today in healthcare news:

• The EMA wants a warning attached to J&J's vaccine;
• How to make it through vaccine side effects, including how to avoid painkillers;
• 2020 was the deadliest year for trans people in the US, Insider's reporting shows.

If you're new to this newsletter, sign up here. Comments, tips? Email me at [email protected] or tweet @lydiaramsey125. Let's get to it…

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The EMA found a possible link between the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and 'unusual blood clots' and wants a warning attached

• The European Medicines Agency found a possible link between the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and 'unusual' blood clots cases with low levels of blood platelets.
• The EMA said the link should be listed as "very rare side effects of the vaccine."
• Johnson & Johnson said it would add the information and that shipments had resumed to Europe.

J&J's shot is still paused in the US>>

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How to manage your coronavirus vaccine side effects – including tips for avoiding painkillers

• It's normal to have side effects for 48 hours after your coronavirus vaccine.
• But there are ways to minimize discomfort, like moving your arm or taking hot showers.
• Medical experts recommend avoiding pain relievers and strenuous exercise, if possible.

Here's what else you can do>>

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2020 was the deadliest year on record for transgender people in the US, Insider database shows. Experts say it's getting worse.

• More trans people were killed in 2020 than in any year on record. A majority were Black trans women.
• The American Medical Association said that while the rate of violence is increasing, we are nowhere near the breaking point.
• Insider compiled a database to track every trans person killed in 2019, 2020, and 2021 and the trends behind these deaths.

Find out more>>

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More stories we're reading:

• It's pointless to wear a surgical mask over a fabric mask - the other way around is most effective, study finds (Insider)
• We don't know enough to say if vaccines change your period (The New York Times)
• The billionaire scientist who developed the BioNTech-Pfizer breakthrough vaccine has not sold any shares in BioNTech's surging stock (Insider)
• What it's like to catch COVID-19 after getting vaccinated (Stat News)

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- Lydia