Johnson & Johnson pushes for a COVID‑19 booster
What’s on the table?
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announced on Oct 5 that it has sent data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a bid to get an emergency use authorization for a booster shot. The booster is aimed at adults 18 and older.
The data come from a late‑stage study showing a 94 % reduction in symptomatic COVID‑19 when the booster is given 56 days after the first dose.Plus, the study found 100 % protection against severe disease once people are two weeks past the booster.
Why the rush?
Healthcare officials are split over whether extra doses are necessary, especially when millions worldwide still haven’t been vaccinated.
Still, President Biden’s administration launched a campaign in August to encourage a “third dose” for those hit hardest by the Delta variant.
The FDA is already planning a November meeting on Oct 15 to decide if the single‑dose J&J shot can get an updated second shot.
The buzz on the markets
J&J’s shares ticked up ~1 % before the market opened—a sign that investors are watching closely.
The competition
The company wanted a broader application (16+), but regulators stuck to age‑specific guidance.
Next steps
J&J plans to send its data to:
…to help shape local vaccination strategies wherever needed.
Current uptake
According to the CDC, roughly 15 million U.S. adults have received J&J’s single dose.
Stay tuned for updates on how these booster approvals could reshape the fight against COVID.
