A booster shot of Johnson & Johnson’s Corona vaccine significantly boosts immune defenses, according to the U.S. pharmaceutical giant.
In two clinical trials, the number of antibodies increased ninefold after a second dose of the vaccine compared with 28 days after the first dose, the company said Wednesday. The data would support the use of a second vaccine dose as a so-called booster shot.
While two doses of each of the Biontech/Pfizer and Moderna Corona vaccines are needed, one dose of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine has been sufficient so far. However, given the rapid spread of the particularly contagious delta variant and a decline in protection, more and more states are considering booster vaccination.
U.S. health officials announced last week that all citizens will be offered a third vaccination with Biontech/Pfizer and Moderna vaccines beginning Sept. 20. The authorities also said it was “likely” that a booster vaccination would also be needed with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. First, however, more data are needed, they said.
Johnson & Johnson now said it is in discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other authorities regarding a possible booster vaccination.
- source: k.at/picture: zdf.de
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