Health & Fitness
The Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine: How Does It Differ From Other Options?
The arrival of this vaccine, which will be available from SSM Health, is expected to ramp up the availability of COVID-19 protection.
March 15, 2021
The arrival of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is expected to ramp up the availability of COVID-19 protection. But just how does the Johnson & Johnson vaccine differ from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines? We turned to our experts at SSM Health to fill us in.
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Q: How does the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine work?
A: The vaccine uses a genetically modified adenovirus (common cold virus) with a spike protein attachment (Viral-vector vaccine) which allows the adenovirus to enter the host cell. The host cell temporarily replicates the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein producing an immune response preventing the vaccinated person from developing severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
Q. How is the J&J COVID-19 vaccine administered?
A. The vaccine is a single-dose intramuscular (IM) injection.
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Q. Who may receive the J&J COVID-19 vaccine?
A. The vaccine is currently approved for adults 18 and older. The J&J COVID vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage and is a single dose vaccination; thus, convenient for mobile vaccination events, persons who are homebound, and communities without access to ultra-cold storage.
Q. What are the side effects from the vaccine?
A. Most common reactions are injection site pain, headache, fatigue, nausea. Symptoms resolved in 24-48 hours for most study participants.
Q. How effective is the J&JCOVID-19 vaccine?
A: To date, nearly 20,000 people in South Africa, Mexico, parts of South America and the United States have received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine. Efficacy data at 28 days following vaccination reveals:
- 100% effective in preventing death related to COVID-19 disease
- 93% effective in preventing hospitalizations due to COVID-19 disease
- 66% effective in preventing symptomatic lab-confirmed COVID-19 infection
Q. How soon after vaccination does immune protection start?
A. A person is considered immune 14 days following vaccination.
Q. How long does the immune response persist after administration of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine?
A. Further studies are needed to understand the duration of the immune response following administration of the J&J vaccine. Study participants will be monitored for 24 months to assess the durability of the immune response following vaccination.
Q. Who should not receive the J&J COVID-19 vaccine?
A. People who have an allergy to any of the vaccine components should not receive the vaccine. The vaccine does not contain preservatives and the vial stopper does not contain latex. The vaccine components are listed here:
- Citric acid monohydrate
- Trisodium citrate dihydrate
- Ethanol (2.04 mg),
- 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HBCD)
- Polysorbate-80
- Sodium chloride
Q. Is the vaccine safe for people with immunocompromising conditions?
A. Yes. The J&J COVID vaccine is an inactivated (not live) vaccine and is safe for those with immunocompromising conditions.
Q. Is the vaccine safe for pregnant and lactating women?
A. Yes. There is limited data about safety and efficacy of the J&J COVID vaccine in pregnant and lactating women, but animal studies demonstrate safety and efficacy.
Pregnant women are at higher risk for complications related to COVID-19 disease and vaccination is recommended to protect the health of both mother and fetus. Pregnant and lactating women are advised to have a conversation about the COVID-19 vaccine with their OB/GYN provider.
Q. Is there a need to separate other vaccines from the J&J COVID-19 vaccine?
A. Yes. A 14-day period of separation is recommended between administration of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine and all other vaccines (14 days pre- and post-vaccine administration).
Q. Can the J&J COVID-19 vaccine be administered to a person who was unable to complete the second (2nd) dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine?
A. Yes. The J&J COVID-19 vaccine may be given to a person who has received the first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine but was unable to complete the series (allergy, severe reaction, distance). A 28-day window is recommended between the vaccine doses.
Q. What is SSM Health’s position on the development of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine using a cell line from an aborted fetus? As a Catholic health system, will you be offering J&J vaccine?
A. SSM Health believes vaccination is an essential part of safely and effectively protecting our community from COVID-19. In light of vaccine scarcity, SSM Health plans to utilize all available vaccines provided by state authorities. This aligns with direction from local bishops, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Specifically, this guidance says it is morally acceptable to utilize COVID-19 vaccine developed as Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine was.
This press release was produced by the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed are the author's own.