Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses are on the horizon. What's next?

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran says the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will allow faster distribution. It is only a one-shot dose that could help speed vaccinations -- and tamp down a pandemic that has killed more than 500,000 people in the U.S.

News 12 Staff

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Feb 28, 2021, 12:00 AM

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Updated 1,162 days ago

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There may soon be a new weapon in the fight against COVID-19 now that a key Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted in favor of recommending the approval of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine.

The shots would become the United States' third approved COVID-19 vaccine after Pfizer and Moderna.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran says the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will allow faster distribution. It is only a one-shot dose that could help speed vaccinations -- and tamp down a pandemic that has killed more than 500,000 people in the U.S.

Curran says the number of Johnson & Johnson doses Long Island will receive in the initial rollout will be determined by federal and state authorities.

"We just have to be nimble, we just have to adjust as we get it," says Curran. "Whether it comes to us or it comes to health care partners, hospitals, doctors offices, pharmacies, etc., we'll make sure we get the word out."

MORE: US expert panel endorses Johnson & Johnson's one-dose COVID-19 vaccine

News 12 reached out to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone's office to find out their plans for the vaccine's rollout, but has not heard back.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine can keep for three months at normal refrigeration temperatures, making it easier to distribute and easier for pharmacies and clinics to store.

"This is another vaccine in the pipeline, it's more supply that'll definitely speed up how fast the doctors will be able to get it in the offices," says pediatrician Dr. John Zaso.

The White House said around 2 million doses would be ready to ship to states next week, with up to another 2 million for pharmacies and community health centers.

Even though Johnson & Johnson's vaccine is less effective than Moderna and Pfizer's, doctors say it's still up to par in protection against severe disease.

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