GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A third Covid-19 vaccine should be available soon. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is just a few steps away from Emergency Use Authorization, and it will help Wisconsin’s vaccine efforts.
Dr. Ashok Rai, President and CEO of Prevea Health, tells FOX 11 he’s confident in the Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 one-dose vaccine.
When asked if it’s a good vaccine, Dr. Rai said, “It’s still a great vaccine, not even a good vaccine.”
Early reports from the FDA show the vaccine is 85% effective against serious Covid-19 illness and 66% effective against moderate to severe cases. That’s less effective than initial reports of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but doctors say they shouldn’t be compared.
“It’s not really an apples to apples comparison,” said Dr. Rai. “The most important thing is all have shown high efficacy at a really high rate at preventing death and hospitalizations and serious illness.”
The State is waiting for the approval.
“We will have a third vaccine to add to the mix, which will also increase our vaccine supply,” said Julie Willems Van Dijk, deputy secretary with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Doctors say it’s what Wisconsin’s been preparing for.
“We have the ability, the mechanisms in the state with vaccinators and people just wanting the vaccine put into arms that the demand is here,” said Dr. Rai.
Its anticipated arrival comes at a good time, as the state prepares for nearly another million people who will become eligible.
“We want to get through [phase] 1B as quickly as possible, and it can only be done with more supply, so it’s all good news,” said Dr. Rai.
With the vaccine being one dose, Dr. Rai says it will help significantly in scheduling appointments.
“It will be more convenient for the patient. Not many people have the ability to schedule three or four weeks ahead of time, so it’s difficult to get that. There’s a lot more compliance, so you’re not waiting for someone to come back,” said Dr. Rai.
Dr. Rai also mentioned that storage requirements will be easier. The temperatures this vaccine will be stored at are similar to vaccines we’ve had for generations.
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