CDC recommends the first one-dose COVID-19 vaccine for use – Louisiana Department of Health – Louisiana.gov

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a federal advisory panel within the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), voted unanimously Sunday to recommend the countrys third COVID-19 vaccine for people 18 and older. With that announcement, Louisiana expects its confirmed allotment of 37,900 doses of the one-shot, easier-to-use Johnson & Johnson vaccine to be delivered sometime this week.

ACIPs decision follows the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) action Saturday authorizing the vaccine for emergency use for people 18 and older. After rigorous trials and evaluation, the FDA has found the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to be safe and effective. It has been authorized for use, joining the Moderna and Pfizer COVID vaccines.

We are hopeful over the coming weeks and months that this third vaccine will help ease supply constraints and bring America and Louisiana one step closer to ending this pandemic, said Dr. Joseph Kanter, State Health Officer. This is a very good vaccine, and very exciting news. When it's your turn, I urge you to take whatever vaccine you can get your hands on. Passing up the opportunity could literally cost you your life.

Like the other COVID vaccines, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 100% effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths our most urgent, important goal. To date, Louisiana has lost 9,608 residents to COVID.

Unlike the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine is given in one dose. A single-dose vaccine could be especially beneficial for people who have difficulty taking time off work, and may offer more protection faster than the other two vaccines, which require two shots three and four weeks apart.

Also the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a more durable vaccine, which makes it easier to handle. It can last up to three months in the refrigerator, whereas the other vaccines must be stored at very cold temperatures.

Our goal is to ensure everyone in Louisiana has the opportunity to get the COVID vaccine, said Dr. Courtney N. Phillips, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. I encourage all residents to ask questions, get the facts and begin conversations with your doctor or other medical professionals in your communities now so you are ready when its your turn.

The data and information underpinning the FDA's action can be found online:https://www.fda.gov/media/146217/download

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CDC recommends the first one-dose COVID-19 vaccine for use - Louisiana Department of Health - Louisiana.gov