AFTER REVIEWING THOROUGHLY, the FDA and CDC concluded that the use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine must resume after a brief pause to review the data on concerning yet rare side effects.

Getting vaccinated may not be the best form of protection against COVID-19, but it is also true that the pandemic will only end once people get vaccinated. The vaccine by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is easier to distribute and store. The vaccination will be available widely soon, so more people will choose the vaccination by brand.

Working of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses the inactive cold virus to carry genetic materials. It prompts your cells to create a harmless piece of the “spike protein” found on the surface of coronavirus. It is helpful for the body to build an immune response against the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccines with this kind of property have been around for years and are usually safer for the large human population.

Unlike other vaccines like Moderna and Pfizer, the vaccine by J&J will not give you a cold as the virus is inactive so that you won’t fall sick.

Role of dose

It doesn’t matter if you get one or two-dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.  Something that matters is the effectiveness of the vaccine. Getting one dose of vaccination has one obvious advantage: you need not worry about scheduling a second appointment. It is a good option for people who are anxious about needle pricks as well.

Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are similar

The vaccines may likely result in moderate to mild side effects that you can associate with other types of vaccines. They include joint pain, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, chills, headache, fatigue, fever, or pain at the injection site.

Effectiveness of J&J vaccination

As per the clinical trials, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines provide equal protection of about 94%-95%. However, the J&J vaccine is a bit less effective, with a rate of about 67% against moderate to mild disease. But something essential is that, like Pfizer and Moderna, J&J protects against death and hospitalization.

Safety aspects of J&J vaccine

As per the clinical trial data, all three vaccines are safer for adults who are 18 or older and across different racial and ethnic groups. The testing of the J&J vaccine in more people who identified as Latino/Hispanic and African American and the people who were either 60 years or older and those who had conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. While the vaccine is a bit less effective in people with a chronic medical condition, the vaccine still helps in reducing the risk of getting severe COVID-19 in this at-risk population.

Unavailability of COVID-19 vaccines for children

Children under 18 years were not included in the Moderna and J&J trials and are not eligible for vaccination. There are other vaccines available for children who are 16 or below, like Pfizer. Johnson & Johnson is planning to study the vaccine in children who are younger than 18 years.

Consult your doctor in case of breastfeeding or pregnancy

During the trials, women who are breastfeeding or pregnant didn’t take part. However, breastfeeding or pregnant women can get the vaccination as it will offer protection from COVID-19. Getting the vaccination is the best choice for you.

No behavioral change

No vaccine is 100% effective yet, but they help prevent COVID-19. Even after the vaccination, always remember to maintain physical distancing, wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your surroundings clean and sanitized to be safe. Always keep the prescriptions ready, and for that, you can use Free RX Card.

Choosing the J&J vaccine is a personal choice

The vaccine must be available to all adults with clear warnings about the possible risks and let them make their own choice based on the risks related to COVID-19 and risks of blood clots. People at a higher risk of COVID-19, like those living in communities with the high spread of the virus or working in occupations related to frontline work, might also feel more comfortable with a low risk of rare blood clots.

 Want to know more about COVD-19 vaccinations? Stay tuned to the WiseRx Discount Card blog!