Health officials say the Johnson and Johnson vaccine should have originally been two doses. Despite data showing the J&J vaccine wasn’t as effective as the others, like Moderna and Pfizer, White House Chief Medical Adviser Anthony Fauci said recipients should “feel good about the booster recommendation.”
During an interview Sunday, the health expert said recipients of the single-dose J&J vaccine shouldn’t be concerned about the shot’s lower efficacy now that boosters have been recommended. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel unanimously decided to approve the J&J booster on Friday and are advising people to get it sooner rather than later.
“Everyone who’ve received that first dose of J&J who are 18 and older should receive it,” said Fauci. “So, I think that’s a very good thing. And I think it’s very favorable for those who have received the J&J vaccine. I don’t see that as a problem at all.”
The J&J booster is now available for everyone above the age of 18, but Pfizer and Moderna boosters are only being offered to those 65 and older, and those who are at higher risk, raising concerns about the key differences. Interestingly enough, health officials also confirmed boosting with a different shot than one’s original vaccine seems to be safe and effective.
