FDA Panel Endorses Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine In Vote

An advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration has endorsed Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine by a 22-0 vote held Friday.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is likely to soon join Pfizer and Moderna as a third option to vaccinate millions of Americans. The FDA is not required to follow the advisory group's recommendations, but does often follow them.

“We need vaccines that are effective and well-tolerated. And importantly, ones that are simple to deploy,” said Gregory Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic's vaccine research group, who spoke at the meeting as part of Johnson & Johnson's presentation.

Johnson & Johnson's vaccine has been hailed as having the potential to be broadly effective at preventing sever cases of the coronavirus, per data presented by Johnson & Johnson at the meeting.

The vaccine appears broadly effective against the virus and is especially good at preventing severe cases, according to data presented by FDA staff and Johnson & Johnson at the meeting.

"And because the vaccine is given as a single dose and is easy to ship, it presents an appealing profile for public health officials struggling to vaccinate hard-to-reach or skeptical populations — groups of people increasingly in the sights of state leaders launching outreach efforts," Politico reported.

The U.S. has purchased 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine, but supplies could be tough to come by for at least another month, per STAT News.

Earlier this week, the FDA endorsed Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use.