The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine May Be A Critical Solution To The Emergence Of A New COVID-19 Mutation

Photo illustration (Little Plant / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Good news from Johnson & Johnson. The vaccine they produced showed excellent results. This is an important advance, especially in the United States (US). Broadly speaking, this vaccine may also be an important solution for a worrying new variant from South Africa.

The company's latest study with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows Johnson & Johnson vaccine injections provide strong protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19. Vaccines can also prevent the spread of the virus from those who have been vaccinated.

The report released Wednesday, February 24 also confirmed that the US may very well have access to a third vaccine that has been developed in almost a year. Late last month, Johnson & Johnson, in its report touched on this matter.

The FDA said it would immediately vote with a vaccine advisory panel on Friday, February 26. If the result is positive, the authorization will take place the next day, Saturday, February 27th.

After that, the distribution can be done immediately. Unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines which require two doses. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one injection.

Accelerate the vaccine more thoroughly

Photo illustration (Mufid Majnun / Unsplash)

This allows a complete acceleration of vaccination. According to data, the US to date has injected more than 44 million people.

They have received at least one dose of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. Of those, only about 20 million have received a second dose.

Previous vaccines in the US used mRNA technology. The technology requires a special cooling engine for long-term storage.

Meanwhile, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is promised to last longer, up to three months in normal refrigerator temperatures. This makes it easier to distribute and easier for pharmacies and clinics to store vaccines.

Anything is possible because Johnson & Johnson uses a virus that is stronger than many vaccines in the process of its creation. The White House, on Wednesday, February 24, said about two million doses were ready to be allocated to various state authorities next week.

Meanwhile, another two million will be supplied to pharmacies and public health centers. Documents published by the FDA on Wednesday, February 24 show the new vaccine has an overall efficacy rate of 72 percent in the US and 64 percent in South Africa, where a worrying new variant of COVID-19 emerged in the fall.

Potential to prevent South Africa's COVID-19 mutation

The new mutation, as it is known has spread as the majority of new cases. Specifically for South Africa, the most recent report showed a 7 percent increase in efficacy over previous studies.

The vaccine also demonstrated 86 percent efficacy against the severe form of COVID-19 in the United States, and 82 percent against severe disease in South Africa. That means vaccinated people have a much lower risk of being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19.

None of the nearly 22.000 people vaccinated in the trial died from COVID-19. "This vaccine really has met the standards worthy to be launched and used. Performs well", said Natalie Dean, a biostatistician at the University of Florida.

Other official vaccines, and especially those requiring only one dose, can block the spread of the virus more effectively and reduce cases faster. "Having more products available is a huge advantage", says Dr. Dean.

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