Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Preparing For Possible Emergency Authorization Use

Johnson & Johnson’s request for emergency authorization use is up for review Friday by the Food and Drug Administration.

An FDA advisory committee will discuss the safety and efficacy of Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine. Authorization could be certified as early as this weekend.

There are two advantages to this vaccine that separate it from Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines.

For one, it is a single dose shot. Those who receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine would not have to go back for a second vaccine appointment. Health departments and other contractors would not have to worry about scheduling all of those appointments.

Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine does not need to be stored in a freezer. It can be stored in a regular fridge for a three-month period.

FDA scientists have already confirmed that, overall, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is about 66 percent effective at preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms. 

“It prevented the things that we worry about the most,” OU Chief COVID-19 Officer Dr. Dale Bratzler said. “It was very effective at preventing hospitalizations and I don't think they had a single death in the group.”

Dr. Bratzler said people should not wait to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. If you are eligible to be vaccinated, get whichever vaccine is available now.

“I think, in the future, all of us may have to get a booster dose that might cover different variants or might boost our immune system,” Dr. Bratzler said. “So I am not sure in the long run it is going to matter which dose.”