KENT, Ohio — Some Ohio college students are nervous after hearing news the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is now on pause after six women developed a rare, but serious, blood clotting issue. Many students received the shot over the past week as a part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s push to have as many college students vaccinated as possible before summer break.

At Kent State University, administrators said about 1,200 students received the vaccine during on-campus clinics. 

Students like Marz Anderson, who had his picture taken while he received the shot, said he made sure to do his research.

“When I originally got my vaccine, I did a little cross and prayed,” he said. “And I did read over everything first.”

Anderson said getting the vaccine was a risk worth taking. He battled COVID-19 last fall and wanted to help protect his grandparents from catching it when he visits them for spring break. 

“When I finally got the shot, it was like a sigh of relief,” he said. “A breath of fresh air, and I was able to navigate through my day just fine. I know everybody won’t have the same situation, but that’s the case with COVID, too.”

Vaccine doses were dispensed on campus for three days before the plug was pulled Tuesday. 

Alex Gray got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine from the Summit County Health Department before flying out of town for a trip. 

“It made me feel safer,” she said. “It made my family feel safer.”

She said she hasn’t noticed any serious side effects, but she’s paying close attention to her health after some friends felt sick for a bit after getting the shot. 

“Making sure I’m checking in with myself more constantly saying, ‘OK, do I feel good? Am I great? What’s going on?’” Gray said. “Just to make sure I don’t have any side effects.”

She said she understands why the single dose vaccine was given to students, to protect them with a single shot before spring break.  But she still has concerns. 

“Even though we’re young and we’re healthy, doesn’t mean we can be little guinea pigs,” Gray said.