The Food and Drug Administration has approved an emergency use declaration for Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine.The one-dose vaccine could speed up the effort to vaccine the nation’s population. Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, J&J doses can be stored in a refrigerator, rather than a deep freeze.
While its effectiveness is listed at 70 percent, compared to more than 90 percent for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, no one participating in trials for all three vaccines was hospitalized or died from the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is currently scheduled to meet Sunday to review scientific data related to the vaccine and vote on recommendations for its use.
Today, FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the third vaccine for the prevention of #COVID19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. The EUA allows the vaccine to be distributed in the U.S for use in individuals 18 years and older. https://t.co/QooSCJWSX0 pic.twitter.com/MWcCdt5n9U
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) February 27, 2021
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky has to approve the advisory committee’s recommendations, which is expected to occur Sunday as well. The recommendation and sign-off are the final steps in the approval process before states can begin vaccinations.
Delaware Gov. John Carney had earlier called the J&J vaccine a “game changer” in the state’s vaccination efforts.
“We are thrilled to be able to have access to a third safe and effective vaccine in our state,” said Carney. “There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we are not out of the woods yet. Let’s all do what works until we can vaccinate enough Delawareans. Continue to wear face masks. Avoid gatherings. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Stay vigilant.”
Governors have been worried about complacency in areas such as mask wearing and social distancing as the number of vaccinations increases.
CNBC reported that four million doses of the J&J vaccine are expected to be distributed next week nationwide. J&J stated that more than 20 million doses in March and 100 million doses in first half of 2021
Delaware is expected to receive 8,000 initial doses, according to the governor’s office. The figure could rise to more than 300,000 vaccines under the 100-million dose figure.
As of Saturday, State of Delaware figures indicated that about 20 percent of the population had received at least one dose of vaccine.
The state is now dealing with a backlog of second doses after an earlier “sprint” to get first doses to some first responders and those over 65.
