FDA, CDC Panels Vote To Recommend J&J Booster For Adults - SpecialtyRx
November 2, 2021
FDA, CDC Panels Vote To Recommend J&J Booster For Adults

The expanding emergency use authorization for Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine is being recommended by the FDA and CDC to include a booster to the initial single dose vaccine.

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Offering a full second dose of the vaccine to adults 18 and older was agreed upon by independent panels of experts. The booster should be administered a minimum of two months after the first dose. This recommendation deviates from the recommendations for Moderna and Pfizer which are aimed at those at risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes and includes seniors.

Paul Stoffels, M.D., vice chairman of the executive committee and chief scientific officer at J&J stated, “While a single shot offers strong and long-lasting protection against COVID-19, a booster given after the single-dose primary vaccination increases protection, in particular against symptomatic COVID-19”.

Clinical trial data indicates that a second dose two months after the first increased protection by 94% against moderate to severe and/or critical COVID-19. Additional data showed increased protection with a 6-month boost. This data played a role in the decision to recommend boosters for J&J, Moderna and Pfizer.

“Our teams have been monitoring all aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic closely and react accordingly to ensure that we are providing our clients with the best possible service,” stated SpecialtyRx Operations Specialist, Saba Ansari-Pharm.D.