14 April 2021 - - US-based supermarket chain Publix is suspending the administration of the Johnson and Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) COVID-19 vaccine at all of its pharmacy locations following guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration, the company said.

The CDC and FDA have issued a joint media statement with additional information about the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the CDC and FDA, while a rare side effect, individuals who have received the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine should contact their health care provider if they develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination.

Publix is largest employee-owned company in the US with more than 225,000 associates. It currently operates 1,270 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.