The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 66 percent effective at preventing COVID-19, which appears to be a fairly strong decrease in the numbers containing Pfizer and Moderna (95 and 94.5 percent effective, respectively). How much should we read in this difference, and is there a certain threshold that a vaccine must reach before we can consider it effective? Although Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine has not yet been approved – the company is currently awaiting FDA emergency approval – we can calm some of these anxieties based on what experts know so far.
Is the Johnson & Johnson vaccine effective enough?
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is considered effective because of how well it prevents serious cases of COVID-19, said Dr. Aruna Subramanian, managing director of Stanford. Research has shown that Johnson & Johnson is 85 percent effective in that category, which is more than the 70 percent threshold, Dr. Subramanian said that it is usually necessary to be considered a high-vaccine. According to clinical trials, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was also 100 percent effective in preventing hospitalization and death due to COVID-19.
When you extend the data to mild and moderate cases of COVID-19, the effectiveness numbers decrease. This is normal, the dr. Subramanian told POPSUGAR, because based on the evidence we now have, we do not know that any of the vaccines prevent you from becoming infected; it only stops you from developing severe symptoms after infection. In essence, you can still inhale viral particles, said dr. Subramanian explains, and it will still “repeat” to a certain extent in your body. But with an extra boost of the vaccine, it keeps your immune system ‘in check so your symptoms can only be mild’, she said. “Maybe you don’t have that many viruses, and it will get rid of you before your symptoms get too bad.”
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As a side note, having less of the virus (i.e. fewer SARS-COV-2 particles) in your body can also reduce the transmission of the virus, making you less likely to pass it on to someone else. transfer. A recent study confirmed that at least one COVID-19 vaccine, the AstraZeneca / Oxford option, reduces the body’s viral load in this way.
So, back to the initial question: yes, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is considered effective. The most important thing is to prevent serious diseases, and this is where the vaccine is excellent.
Is the Johnson & Johnson vaccine less effective than Pfizer and Moderna?
Dr. Subramanian warns against comparing the efficacy rates of vaccines. One reason is because the Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines have been tested in regions with new SARS-COV-2 mutations; both conducted trials in South Africa, where the B.1.351 strain emerged, and AstraZeneca was also tested in the United Kingdom, where the B.1.1.7 variant was found. These new strains vary with the vaccine in different ways, and there is evidence that, while still effective, the vaccines can be more difficult to repel.
For comparison, Pfizer conducted trials in South Africa, but the collection of data was terminated on 9 October when the CDC said that the South African variant had only just begun to appear in tests. (The trial of Johnson & Johnson lasted until January.) Moderna conducted clinical trials in the USA. Since the publication of these clinical trials, both Moderna and Pfizer have noted that their vaccinations are indeed less effective against the South African strain, although they still provide protection.
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If the strain was present during the initial trials, it is possible that the original Pfizer and Moderna efficiencies would have had the same hit as Johnson & Johnson. This is not to make you panic about the new strains from which the vaccines are still protecting you. This is just more reason not to directly compare the effectiveness of vaccines, because differences such as factors such as the clinical trial can have an effect on the numbers.
All in all, dr. Subramanian said: “Everyone should be reassured that all of these approved vaccines are very effective in preventing hospitalization, death and even serious illness.” And, she added, “people should not depend too much on what vaccine they receive.” If you are eligible to receive a vaccine, you can give her advice: “go ahead and get it, because all the vaccines are going to bring us closer to herd immunity.” Until then, and even after you get the vaccination, here’s another reminder to continue to follow the CDC’s guidelines to keep yourself and others safe: take social distance, wash your hands regularly, and wear a mask ( or two) wear.
POPSUGAR aims to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on the coronavirus, but details and recommendations regarding this pandemic may have changed since its publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, consult the sources of the WHO, CDC and local public health departments.