California says it is safe to resume distribution of the Modern COVID-19 vaccine

SACRAMENTO, California, – California says it is safe to resume use of a batch of coronavirus vaccine from Moderna after some people became ill and it was recommended that the injections be stopped.

The decision delivers more than 300,000 doses to counties, cities and hospitals struggling to get supplies.

The state Department of Public Health on Sunday called for a break in the use of batch 41L20A of the Moderna vaccine. This happened after less than 10 people had possible allergic reactions after receiving shots at a vaccination site in San Diego.

But the state epidemiologist says a safety analysis found “no scientific basis for continuing the break,” and the shootings could resume immediately.

“These findings should further give Californians the confidence that vaccines are safe and effective and that the systems in place to ensure vaccine safety are rigorous and science-based,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan.

The state consulted with the working group to review the scientific safety of Western states, in addition to other medical specialists and health officials in San Diego County, as well as the FDA, CDC, and Moderna before publishing its findings.

The group said it was unclear why seven people had side effects in the same place over two days, but said none of the reactions were life-threatening.

The report noted that a large number of people received the same batch of vaccines at other locations nationwide and no similar side effects were reported.

The findings of the working group can be found at this link.