Raleigh, North Carolina – The Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine could be in its arms next week.
On Friday, starting at 9 a.m., U.S. Food and Drug Administration vaccine advisers will discuss the possible emergency authorization for the shot, which was approved by the FDA earlier this week. If the vaccine gets formal approval, it could be distributed in the United States by the middle of next week, officials say.
The Wake County Health Department and other counties across the state have staff and resources to vaccinate more people, but supply is limited. A third vaccine could help speed up the process, especially with Johnson & Johnson’s intention to deliver 100 million doses to the U.S. by the end of June.
Some North Carolina residents have been participating in a Johnson & Johnson vaccine trial for months. Joe Belanger of Raleigh received the vaccine or placebo late last year. He said it is a relief to know he could have an effective vaccine.
“It’s been a smooth sailing,” Belanger said. “It was great to have this counter – narrative in my head [instead of that] day of the sentences of: “Go, and if I have it.” It’s very nice to say these last four months, yes, but what if I have the vaccine? “
Even after the vaccine is approved and people are vaccinated, the trial will last for years.
Unlike Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, which require two shots about a month apart, Johnson & Johnson vaccines require only one dose and can be stored in the normal refrigerator. The vaccine is 72% effective, lower than the others, but Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN that the vaccine had “very good efficiency against serious diseases.”
Several experts agree: everyone should receive the COVID-19 vaccine that is available to help the country achieve herd immunity.