Everything to know about Johnson & Johnson's vaccine, which could be approved today

The Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine could be in arms as early as next week.

Posted 1:30 p.m. Feb 26, 2021 — Updated 1:34 p.m. Feb 26, 2021

Kasey Cunningham

, WRAL reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine could be in arms as early as next week.

On Friday beginning at 9 a.m., U.S. Food and Drug Administration vaccine advisers will discuss potential emergency authorization of the shot, which was endorsed by the FDA earlier in the week. If the vaccine gains formal approval, it could be distributed across the U.S. as early as mid-next week, officials say.

The Wake County Health Department and other counties across the state have the staff and resources to vaccinate more people, but supply is limited. A third vaccine could help speed up the process, especially with Johnson & Johnson's intention to deliver 100 million doses in the U.S. by the end of June.

FDA advisers to consider third possible COVID-19 vaccine Friday

Some North Carolina residents have been participants of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine trial for months. Joe Belanger, from Raleigh, either received the vaccine or a placebo late last year. He said it’s a relief knowing he could have an effective vaccine.

"It's been smooth sailing," Belanger said. "It's been really nice to have that counter narrative in your head [instead of that] dooms day of, 'Gosh, what if I have it.' It's so nice these past four months to say, yeah, but what if I got the vaccine?"

Even after the vaccine is approved and people are vaccinated, the trial will last for years.

Unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, which require two shots about one month apart, Johnson & Johnson's only requires one dose and can be stored in a normal refrigerator. The vaccine is 72% effective, lower than the others, but Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN the vaccine had "very good efficacy against severe disease."

Multiple experts agree -- everyone should get the COVID-19 vaccine that is available to them to help the country achieve herd immunity.

Suggest A Correction