Johnson & Johnson Files For Covid Vaccine Emergency Use Authorization

Topline

Johnson & Johnson took a significant step Thursday toward getting its Covid vaccine approved in the U.S., filing for emergency use authorization with the FDA, according to multiple reports, and paving the way for a third vaccine potentially being distributed within weeks.

Key Facts

What To Watch For

The company said last month the plan is for a March rollout for vaccine distribution.

Crucial Quote

“From a practical standpoint, from what you want to do to keep people out of the hospital and prevent death, this is a value added,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said of the vaccine’s efficacy. 

Key Background

Thursday’s emergency use authorization filing was widely expected, falling in line with the company’s timeline for March distribution. If approved, which is also widely expected, it will be the first new Covid vaccine in the U.S. since December, when Pfizer’s vaccine was approved followed by approval shortly after for the Moderna vaccine. Numerous other vaccines remain in the trial phases of development.

Big Number

36.7 million. That’s how many individual shots of Covid vaccine have been administered in the U.S., according to a Bloomberg tracker.

Further Reading

Fauci says Johnson & Johnson vaccine helpful in COVID-19 fight despite lower efficacy (The Hill)

FDA Authorizes Pfizer And BioNTech’s Covid-19 Vaccine For Use In The United States (Forbes)

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