Johnson and Johnson: Challenges With the Vaccine
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries rushed to subdue the outbreak. This entailed many strict regulations, including border closures, mask mandates, and social distancing policies. Yet the pandemic raged on, claiming many lives and causing tremendous economic and social strain. At this point, experts proposed that the best route to overcome this pandemic was collective immunity. Thus began the race to develop and distribute an effective and safe COVID-19 vaccine as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is the context in which the COVID-19 vaccine emerged.
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Single-shot nature of Johnson and Johnson vaccine
The most enticing aspect of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine was, of course, its single-shot nature. While most other COVID-19 vaccines required two doses, this particular vaccine offered maximum protection with only a single dose. Additionally, it didn’t require refrigeration as other COVID-19 vaccines did. In theory, this would allow more people to receive the vaccine and allow for more efficient distribution. In February, United states officials approved the COVID-19 vaccine. Officials of USA approved the vaccine after many trials. After the test and trials, it’s visible that side-effects are not too much.
Side Effects
However, despite starting as a promising COVID-19 vaccine, we saw previously unknown side effects. This was not unexpected. As more people received the vaccine, it was likely that obscure side effects would arise. Like the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine had few little implications. For instance, experts were thinking of causing blood clots in otherwise healthy individuals. More specifically, approximately fifteen women got blood clots and platelet levels days after vaccination. Of these fifteen blood clots, twelve blood clots were in brain. Although this is rare, incidences are frightening. One woman has died, and medical team took another to hospital. It is not yet known how this vaccine is related to these clots.
Blood Colts
After discovering these blood clots, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended a pause for this vaccine. Several states decided to pause their usage of this vaccines in accordance with this recommendation. However, the delay has since been lifted. Officials state that the overall benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risk of developing these exceedingly rare blood clots. Usage of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has started up again, but those seeking to be vaccinated are still informed of the risk and are given the option of taking an alternative vaccine.
EU Approved the Vaccine
Eu reached decision after an extensive review of available data. we should note that out of millions of vaccinations, only a tiny handful of women developed this side effect. The EU has also moved forward with their approval of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. As we continue using vaccine, more data will be made available, but all current indications suggest that the vaccine is safe for usage in the general public.