SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine could be in the arms of the Utahns next week. It is very good news for the Utah health authorities. On Friday, the FDA’s Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Related Biological Products unanimously recommended approval of the vaccine. Once approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine ship will be shipped to Utah.
“A third approved vaccine tells me that even in some of our darkest times, miracles still happen,” Governor Spencer Cox told Froday. “This is evidence of modern research, science, public health, and medicine. We are in a race to save as many lives as possible with vaccines. This vaccine will do that. Remember that all three vaccines are safe and effective. You can rest assured that each of them will protect you and those around you from COVID-19. “
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved for people aged 18 and over.
Hiccups with the approval of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines
Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine still has some hurdles to clear before it can happen, but state health officials have an estimate of when it could be given here.
The FDA announced that Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine met all of the requirements for emergency approval. However, there are some things that must happen before they can be introduced to the nation.
Utah Vaccination Director Rich Lakin and members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices plan to meet this weekend to discuss this pending approval.
He believes the new vaccine will go a long way in limiting the severity of COVID-19.
“It’s very convenient for people to get because they don’t have to worry about a second appointment. Let’s not forget, it’s very effective against serious diseases, ”said Lakin.
However, the Utah Department of Health is in constant communication with the CDC, and once approval is granted, state officials know when they would receive the first shipment.
Lakin said, “We estimate that Utah will have a little over 33,000 doses on March 8th.” He added that the state expects to receive this amount every week.
The next step is figuring out where those cans will go. They work with the local health departments to decide how many to go to the high throughput vaccination centers and how many to go to the local clinics and pharmacies.
“[We will determine] The best use of this vaccine and so are we going to be handing out those thousands of doses for this week to make sure they are used every seven days as directed by the governor, ”said Lakin.
The high throughput vaccination centers can distribute a thousand doses per day. Lakin reported that all health departments are working to make sure they have enough staff and supplies to handle the increased number of vaccines.
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