There is now a third COVID-19 vaccine approved by the federal government, and it could be available soon.
The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use approval for Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine Saturday. The company says it could start shipping close to two million doses as soon as Monday.
Like two-dose vaccines already being shipped by Pfizer and Moderna, the Johnson & Johnson drug is for adults only at this time. The length of protection is unclear, but it is considered “highly effective” in preventing serious illness.
With variant strains an increasing concern, data shows the vaccine works against all known variants in preventing severe COVID-19 infections.
How the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will fit into the local vaccination effort remains to be seen. Pfizer shots were used at Newman Regional Health, while Moderna shots were used at Flint Hills Community Health Center and for the first two of the five-phase vaccination approach so far in Lyon County.
We’ll have an update on Lyon County’s vaccination process with the weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Briefing at 8:20 am Monday on KVOE and KVOE.com. Flint Hills Community Health Center CEO Renee Hively and Newman Regional Health Chief Quality Officer Cathy Pimple will be our guests.
