The Johnson and Johnson Covid vaccine is the first single-dose Covid vaccine authorized in the United States. Like other Covid vaccines, the Johnson and Johnson Covid vaccine does not use the actual virus to produce an immune response.
Instead, it uses viral vector technology to create immunity. Because this vaccine uses only a single dose and has different storage requirements, researchers believe it is a practical choice for many people, including those in difficult-to-reach situations.
Viral Vector Technology
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the American Institute of Certified Planners, viral vector vaccines use a modified version of another virus to deliver instructions to the body's cells to build immunity.
The modified virus is known as a vector, or the mechanism used to transport information. The vector virus is a harmless virus that has been modified. It creates a protein in the body that signals the immune system to build immunity to a harmful virus.
Because a viral vector vaccine doesn't use the target virus, there is no exposure or risk of illness from the harmful virus. Johnson and Johnson had already developed viral vector technology to create a vaccine against the Zika virus.
Over 193,000 people worldwide have previously been vaccinated with viral vector vaccines using this technology. To create a vaccine against COVID-19, Johnson and Johnson used this technology to target the Covid virus.
Phase III Ensemble Study
Before the Johnson and Johnson Covid vaccine was approved for use, a large-scale Phase II Ensemble study was conducted. The Phase III Ensemble study had over 40,000 participants in eight countries and across three continents. The study was conducted on participants over age 18, including over 30% over age 60.
The study results were submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorization. While it can take years to approve a new vaccine or medication fully, an Emergency Use Authorization allows a product to be given to people while ongoing studies continue on its safety and effectiveness.
An Emergency Use Authorization is only granted when a product has shown safety and effectiveness in clinical trials and the need for the product is urgent. Because the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic, the Johnson and Johnson Covid vaccine's use was deemed urgent after it was tested and met safety and effectiveness requirements.
Storage
Based on previous viral vector technology and the manufacturer's current studies, the FDA issued specific rules for storing the Johnson and Johnson Covid vaccine. How the vaccine is stored depends on when the vaccine vial is used.
· Shipping:
Before shipping, Johnson and Johnson stores the vaccine frozen. It is allowed to thaw during shipping at temperatures between 36- and 46-degrees Fahrenheit (F).
· Before Use:
Unused vials may be stored between 36- and 46- degrees F until the manufacturer’s expiration date.
· Open Vials:
Once the vial has been used, it can be stored between 36- to 46- degrees F for up to six hours or at room temperature for two hours.
If the entire vial is not used within those time frames, it must be discarded. Vials cannot be re-frozen for extended use. Because the Johnson and Johnson Covid vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage, it can be used in locations where it would be difficult to maintain storage safety. These areas may include locations without adequate freezers, electricity, or a sparse population needing time to be reached.
Effectiveness
The Johnson and Johnson Covid vaccine is a single-dose injection given in the arm to people age 18 and older. It does not contain: eggs; preservatives; latex.
According to the CDC, studies show that the Johnson and Johnson Covid vaccine provided the most protection two weeks after receiving the vaccine. In clinical trials, the vaccine helped prevent over 66% of people from getting COVID-19.
For those that still contracted the virus, the cases were mild or moderate. No one who got sick required hospitalization within four weeks after receiving the vaccine.