The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine: Good Efficacy, but Weigh the Options

In a multinational phase 3 trial, this single-dose vaccine showed 66% efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 — but concerns remain about adverse events.

Researchers have published the results of the placebo-controlled phase 3 trial of Johnson & Johnson's Ad26.COV2.S vaccine conducted in the U.S., South Africa, and several South American countries. Among SARS-CoV-2–negative enrollees, >19,500 received the single-dose vaccine and >19,500 received placebo.

Vaccine efficacy was 66.9% for preventing COVID-19 classified as moderate-to-severe or critical that developed ≥14 days after vaccination and 66.2% for preventing disease with onset ≥28 days after vaccine receipt. Efficacy was similar in South Africa (where most cases were caused by the B.1.351 variant) and Brazil (where most were caused by the P.2 lineage). The most common reactions within 7 days after vaccination were injection site pain (4…

Reviewing Author

Wendy S. Armstrong, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardNIH Therapeutics and Prevention Data Safety Monitoring Board

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Board of Internal Medicine Infectious Diseases Subspecialty Board (member), Infectious Diseases Society of America (Vice President)

Wendy S. Armstrong, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardNIH Therapeutics and Prevention Data Safety Monitoring Board

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Board of Internal Medicine Infectious Diseases Subspecialty Board (member), Infectious Diseases Society of America (Vice President)

The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine: Good Efficacy, but Weigh the Options

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Reviewing Author