Virginia has suspended the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after federal health agencies warned that the single-dose inoculation may cause a rare, and potentially fatal, blood clot disorder.

A nationwide halt was announced Tuesday upon the recommendation of the Federal Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those agencies are investigating reports that six women developed blood clots after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. A Virginia woman died in March after receiving the vaccine, according to reports.

Currently, more than 6.8 million people across the nation have been given the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. A vast majority of people have reported no or mild side effects.

“This pause is reassuring in that it demonstrates that the systems that are in place to monitor vaccine safety are working,” said Dr. Danny Avula, Virginia’s vaccination coordinator for the state Department of Health.

He said vaccinations will continue across the state using the two-dose vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

Locally, the suspension has impacted several small vaccination events and mobile vaccine efforts planned by the Richmond and Henrico County health districts. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was to be used, as well as for homebound residents and a new, walk-up vaccination initiative for seniors.

Anyone who had an appointment at one of the four Johnson & Johnson vaccine events is asked to contact the health district call center at (804) 205-3501. People will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at their scheduled appointment.