Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine trial has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant's “unexplained illness” is related to the vaccine shot.
The company said in a statement on Monday evening that illnesses, accidents and other so-called adverse events “are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies,” but added that the company will set up a safety monitoring panel to determine the participant’s cause of illness. The company has said it will begin its investigation by first determining if the participant received the vaccine or a placebo. The company declined to reveal further details about the illness, citing the participant's privacy.