EU Approves J&J Vaccine for Single Dose Use

Fourth Following Pfizer, Moderna, and AZ

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 11th (local time), the European Union (EU) approved the emergency use of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by the U.S. pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson. It is the fourth vaccine available for use in Europe, following Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced on Twitter that "the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within the EU has been approved." Earlier that day, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended conditional marketing authorization for Johnson & Johnson's vaccine for individuals aged 18 and older.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a single-dose vaccine. Unlike existing vaccines that require two doses, it is characterized by its preventive effect after just one shot. It can be stored in a regular refrigerator, eliminating the need for ultra-cold storage facilities. Following approval in the U.S. at the end of last month, it was also authorized for use in Canada earlier this month.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) under the EMA concluded that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine meets the standards for efficacy, safety, and quality. The EMA explained, "Clinical trial results show that this vaccine has an efficacy of 67%, and side effects are mild to moderate and disappear within a few days after vaccination." The most common symptoms are pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and nausea.

The European Commission has secured 400 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The EMA stated, "With this decision, we have another option to fight COVID-19 and protect the lives and health of citizens."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.