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Johnson & Johnson to deliver one-dose Covid vaccine to EU on April 19
The single-shot vaccine gives protection against serious forms of the virus and can be stored in standard fridges
The first deliveries of the Janssen vaccine, made by Johnson & Johnson, will arrive in Europe on April 19, the pharmaceutical company said yesterday (March 29).
Janssen will become the fourth vaccine authorised for use in Europe, after receiving approval from the European Medicines Agency, along with Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca.
The vaccine has also been approved by French health authorities.
The EU has ordered 200 million doses of the vaccine, with the option of ordering 200 million more if needed.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said that in the second quarter 55 million doses are due to be delivered to the EU.
Of the total order, France has reserved 30 million doses, with one million expected to be delivered in April.
Read more: 6 ways Macron will accelerate vaccine campaign in April
One-shot vaccine can be stored in normal fridge
The Janssen vaccine has been shown to be 66% effective against Covid-19 and to give strong protection against serious forms of the virus.
These results come from just one dose - whereas other approved vaccines require two shots - and the Janssen vaccine can also be kept in a standard fridge, instead of needing specialised cold storage.
Johnson & Johnson used technology based on its Ebola vaccine to make the Covid vaccine.
It uses a common cold virus to carry part of the coronavirus’ genetic code into the body, and activate the body’s immune system.
This teaches the body how to fight the illness.
Production throughout Europe
Production of the vaccine in Europe will be led by pharmaceutical companies Sanofi in France, Catalent in Italy and IDT Biologika in Germany.
The active ingredient that makes the vaccine effective will be produced in a Johnson & Johnson laboratory in Holland.
The Janssen vaccine is already in use in the US and South Africa, and has been approved for use in Canada.
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