Local health officials: ‘Johnson and Johnson vaccine could be a game-changer’
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
As we await the emergency approval of the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine, Mid-Missouri health officials are hopeful the inclusion of a third vaccine will benefit communities.
Dr. Margaret Day with MU Health Care said the Johnson and Johnson vaccine comes with several advantages. Day said it's a single shot and it doesn't have to be stored in ultra-cold freezers.
"The single-dose is huge, especially, for certain populations -- and it really makes it feel we will be able to move twice as quickly," Day said.
Vaccine supply has been a challenge throughout the country as more people become eligible for the vaccine. Local health officials said having another vaccine in production could speed up the process.
Sara Humm with the Columbia/Boone County health department said the approval of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine would mean more vaccines available across the country.
"That means more folks can get vaccinated, while we don't know what the timeline is right now, any vaccine available is a good thing," Humm said.
The Food and Drug Administration found the single-dose Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine 66% effective at preventing COVID-19. Health officials are confident that even though the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is less effective than the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, it will help groups of people who cannot get two doses.
The health department is planning to focus the single-dose vaccine on populations that are unable to return for a second dose.
"It should go to individuals who are experiencing homelessness because it may be more difficult to get them back in for a second dose of vaccine but that is still something being discussed," Humm said.
Gov. Mike Parson said Thursday Missouri is expecting to order 50,000 doses of the vaccine if it receives federal approval. In total, the company hopes to initially ship out nearly 4 million doses.
On Sunday afternoon, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices plans to vote after discussing who should get the vaccine and when.
