By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Getty Images.
A new analysis by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revealed that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine provides strong protection against severe disease and even death from Covid-19.
The research also shows that the one-shot vaccine may also reduce the spread of the virus by those who have been vaccinated.
According to the FDA, the J&J vaccine had a 64% efficacy rate in South Africa and 72% in the US.
A report by the New York Times said the vaccine also showed 86% efficacy against severe forms of Covid-19 in the US, and 82% against severe disease in South Africa. That means that a vaccinated person has a far lower risk of being hospitalised or dying from Covid-19.
While the J&J vaccine has a lower efficacy rate that the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, which are both around 95%, here in SA the J&J vaccine is so far the clear winner.
According to The Washington Post, the FDA could issue the EUA as soon as this weekend. Approximately 2 million doses will be available to ship once the EUA is issued, according to the report, and supply will increase with up to 20 million doses available by the end of March.
Despite access concerns, the vaccine may offer easier storage and administration options once available. The vaccine can be stored at normal refrigeration temperatures for at least 3 months, which could make it much easier to stock in normal retail pharmacies or in rural areas.
Furthermore, the single-shot approach could also be an important step in the pandemic response, enabling a more efficient vaccine roll-out without the 2-week waiting period between shots.
Meanwhile South Africa received its first batch of J&J vaccines earlier this month and the second batch of 80 000 is expected to be delivered on Saturday.
REFERENCES:
- FDA Briefing Document: Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting on Janssen Ad26.COV2.S Vaccine for the Prevention of COVID-19. Released February 24, 202 https://www.fda.gov/media/146217/download. Accessed February 24, 202
- Johnson C, McGinley L. FDA review confirms safety and efficacy of single-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, especially against severe cases. The Washington Post; February 24, 2021. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/02/24/johnson-and-johnson-vaccine/. Accessed February 24, 2021.