FDA authorizes Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine - POLITICO - POLITICO

Feb 28, 2021

A vial of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine is shown in Belgium.

The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine, adding a third option to the United States’ arsenal as President Joe Biden aims for broad protection by this summer.

The J&J shot is the first one-dose vaccine to hit the U.S.

The vaccine is 66 percent effective against broad coronavirus infection but particularly good at curbing severe illness, hospitalization and death, which J&J executives say is most important for consumers.

State and local health officials have also expressed optimism about the incoming vaccine.

The panel may address some remaining questions about how well the vaccine works in older people with some common health problems

Limited J&J data from this group indicates the shot is just 42 percent effective among people 60 and older with common risk factors, like diabetes, heart problems and obesity