NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Another COVID-19 vaccine could soon be available to the public. Johnson & Johnson has filed for Emergency Use Authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine.
This vaccine is different compared to Pfizer and Moderna because it requires only one dose, while the other two require two doses.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center helped with Johnson & Johnson’s trial of the vaccine – with 100 residents being a part of it. Dr. Buddy Creech says this vaccine is going to be a game-changer.
"One of the reasons why this is such an exciting development is it really represents a second class of vaccines that we now have in addition to the mRNA vaccines,” said Dr. Creech.
Johnson & Johnson became the second COVID-19 vaccine candidate that was evaluated at VUMC.
Something else to note is Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine efficacy data is a little weaker than the first two vaccines. It's 66% effective in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 but 85% effective against severe disease. Studies show the Pfizer vaccine has an overall efficacy of 95%, Moderna 94.1%.
Here’s some additional data from Johnson & Johnson:
- The topline safety and efficacy data are based on 43,783 participants accruing 468 symptomatic people
- It’s 66% effective overall in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19, 28 days after vaccination
- 72% in the United States, 66% in Latin America, and 57% effective in South Africa due to the new strain
- The vaccine candidate was 85% effective in preventing severe disease
- If authorized, it can remain stable for two years at -20°C (-4°F), and for at least three months stored at temperatures of 2-8°C (36°F–46°F)
If the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine gets approved, it would be the third vaccine to hit the market and help with supply.
In two weeks, the FDA vaccine panel, which includes Dr. James Hildreth, of Meharry Medical College, will meet to decide whether to recommend the vaccine for approval.
