Janssen COVID-19 vaccine

Error creating thumbnail:

== Janssen COVID-19 vaccine ==

The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, also known as Ad26.COV2.S, is a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Janssen Vaccines, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. It is a viral vector vaccine that uses a modified adenovirus to deliver genetic instructions for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the body's cells, prompting an immune response.

Development and Approval

The vaccine was developed through a collaboration between Janssen Vaccines and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Clinical trials began in 2020, and the vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 27, 2021. It has also been authorized for use by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Mechanism of Action

The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine uses a recombinant adenovirus type 26 (Ad26) vector to deliver the genetic code for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Once inside the body, the adenovirus vector enters cells and releases the genetic material, which instructs the cells to produce the spike protein. The immune system then recognizes the spike protein as foreign and mounts an immune response, producing antibodies and activating T-cells to fight off future infections.

Efficacy

Clinical trials have shown that the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is effective in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19. The vaccine demonstrated an overall efficacy rate of approximately 66% in preventing moderate to severe disease and 85% efficacy in preventing severe disease. It has also shown effectiveness against various SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the Delta variant.

Administration

The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a single-dose injection, making it unique among the COVID-19 vaccines that typically require two doses. This single-dose regimen simplifies logistics and distribution, particularly in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

Side Effects

Common side effects of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine include pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and fever. Rare but serious side effects include thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

Storage and Handling

The vaccine can be stored at standard refrigerator temperatures (2-8°C) for up to three months, making it easier to distribute and store compared to some other COVID-19 vaccines that require ultra-cold storage.

Public Health Impact

The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine has played a significant role in the global vaccination effort against COVID-19, particularly in regions where a single-dose vaccine is advantageous. Its ease of storage and distribution has made it a valuable tool in reaching underserved populations.

See Also

• COVID-19 vaccine
• Johnson & Johnson
• Viral vector vaccine
• SARS-CoV-2
• Emergency Use Authorization
• European Medicines Agency
• World Health Organization