(Toronto) Health Canada approves the use of the single-dose COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson for people 18 years of age and older.
The decision is posted on the Health Canada website and confirmed in a press release issued Wednesday by the Janssen Pharmaceutical group, makers of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The company explains that the decision to approve the vaccine based on viral vectors is based in part on initial scientific data which showed that it was 85% effective in preventing progression to a severe form of the disease and in providing protection. against hospitalizations and deaths caused by COVID-19, 28 days after vaccination.
Janssen reports that the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine takes advantage of technology that has also been used to develop and manufacture Janssen’s Ebola vaccine scheme as well as to design its experimental vaccines against Zika virus, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and HIV.
Johnson & Johnson’s single dose COVID-19 vaccine can be stored and distributed through standard channels. The manufacturer estimates that it remains stable for two years when stored at temperatures ranging from -25 ° C to -15 ° C, and up to six months under ordinary refrigeration conditions, i.e. at temperatures ranging from 2 ° C to 8 ° C.
Mathai Mammen, global head of research and development at Janssen, argues that a vaccine that prevents severe forms of the disease and protects against hospitalizations and death from COVID-19 will ease the pressure on health systems.