The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) passed the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine unanimously on Friday. The vaccine has a 72% efficacy in the US and 64% in South Africa. Against severe cases, globally, it was 85% effective. The vaccine is for those 18 years and older. It is stored at regular refrigerator temperatures.
The vaccine is the first one-dose vaccine approved. It can be a very important part of the fight, especially where logistics are difficult. Johnson & Johnson expects to produce and send out 20 million doses for the US by March 31, and 80 million more doses by June 30. Assuming that they get around 25 of the 80 million out in April, the US would have vaccine doses for around 195 million Americans by the end of April - or 75% of the eligible population. Once those vaccines get into arms, the country would be in the range of herd immunity.
Dr. James Hildreth tweeted after the meeting: “I am pleased to have been part of VRBPAC for review of the vaccine. We must not let a narrative take hold that this is a ‘lesser’ vaccine than the mRNA vaccines. This vaccine prevents severe disease and death and, in the crisis we are in, that [is] the most important thing.”
