Johnson & Johnson Requests Emergency Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccine
The company’s 72% effective vaccine will only require one dose.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Feb 08, 2021
Johnson & Johnson applied for emergency use authorization from the FDA for their COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 4, according to NPR.
Following the vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna, this is the third vaccine to seek emergency authorization by the FDA. If Johnson & Johnson is granted emergency use, the company intends to supply 100 million doses within the first half of this year.
This vaccine is 66 percent effective overall, compared to Pfizer’s 90 percent effective vaccine. In the United States, specifically, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 72 percent effective. Unlike the other coronavirus vaccines, Johnson & Johnson’s will only require one dose.
“The potential to significantly reduce the burden of severe disease by providing an effective and well-tolerated vaccine with just one immunization is a critical component of the global public health response,” said Paul Stoffels, Johnson & Johnson vice chairman of the executive committee and chief scientific officer.
The FDA will hold the first meeting to discuss the vaccine that includes outside advisers on Feb. 26.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.