Dr. Bob Lahita discusses the likelihood that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will face risks as the government stops its implementation.
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer said on Tuesday it was prepared to halt production of its COVID-19 vaccine after US federal agencies recommended a hiatus to administer injections of the Johnson & Johnson version due to health risks.
In a Twitter report, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said the company could deliver 10% more doses by May than previously agreed – a total of 220 million. He also said that Pfizer would deliver the full 300 million doses in the US by the end of July, two weeks earlier.
The extra doses of Pfizer could help offset the potential reduction in expected vaccine doses, depending on what health authorities decide to do with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine going forward.
Moderna Inc. also responded to the Johnson & Johnson problems and stressed the safety of the vaccine.
BENEFITS OF JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE STILL ‘CONSIDER THE RISKS: DR. NESHEIWAT
Federal health agencies on Tuesday proposed a halt to the administration of the single-dose vaccine Johnson & Johnson, while going deeper into reports from several women between the ages of 18 and 48 who said they were getting sick with a rare and serious type of blood clot – as described by the CDC – within two weeks of receiving the vaccine. One of the women is dead.
Nearly 7 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in the US
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO by clicking here
The CDC will convene a meeting on Wednesday to review matters.
In a statement, Johnson & Johnson said the health and safety of people using the products is a top priority.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT FOX BUSINESS
Even without the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, White House officials have said they are on track to have enough supplies to vaccinate most American adults by summer.
“We believe there is enough vaccine in the system – Moderna and Pfizer – for all Americans who want to be vaccinated by May 31 to do so,” said White House Response Coordinator Jeff Zients’ COVID-19.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.