FDA Grants Emergency Use Authorization to Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Over the weekend, the FDA officially greenlit Emergency Use Authorization for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The newly approved vaccine is for adults 18 and older and requires only a single shot. It also does not need to be refrigerated at such low temperatures, making distribution easier and accessibility more widespread. Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci referred to the vaccine as “highly efficacious,” adding he would take it if it was available to him. He also thinks “people need to get vaccinated as quickly and as expeditiously as possible.” The Biden Administration confirmed the first doses of the vaccine could be administered as soon as tomorrow. Johnson and Johnson is expected to provide around 4 million shots this week, with a goal of 20 million by the end of this month. The company is also contractually obligated by the government to provide around 100 million by the end of the summer. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is the third to receive Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA in the U.S.