Vials containing Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine
Johnson & Johnson via Reuters
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan rejected an initial allotment of the one-time Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, citing sufficient supply of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to cover the demand of eligible residents.
“Johnson and Johnson is a really good vaccine. Moderna and Pfizer are the best. And I’m going to do everything I can to make sure Detroit residents get the best,” Duggan said at a press conference on Thursday.
The FDA on Saturday approved J & J’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, making it the third admission to be approved for distribution in the US and the only vaccine that requires only one dose.
Data from clinical studies show that J & J’s vaccine is generally 66% effective in protecting against Covid, compared to about 95% for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. While some have raised concerns about the J&J vaccine’s lower efficacy, the J&J vaccine has been shown to prevent 100% of virus-related hospitalizations and deaths, according to data from clinical trials.
“All vaccines are safe and effective and I recommend offering all vaccines in all communities,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan’s chief medical executive, in a statement to CNBC.
“Also, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine was being studied at a more recent time with more easily transferable variants, so I would not recommend comparing the Pfizer and Moderna studies directly with the Johnson and Johnson studies,” said Khaldun.
At a press conference on Friday, Covid White House adviser Andy Slavitt said Duggan’s comments about the J&J vaccine were misunderstood.
“We’ve been in constant talks with Mayor Duggan … He’s eager for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. And I think we want to reiterate the message that for all of us the very first vaccine we can take is absolutely worthwhile to take, ‘Slavitt said.
Duggan said Thursday that the city received 29,000 doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines this week.
“Any eligible Detroiter can call today, schedule an appointment, and receive a Moderna / Pfizer vaccine at the TCF center next week,” Duggan said in a statement to Detroit City Council Friday. “As the vaccine becomes eligible, Detroit will open a second location offering Johnson & Johnson vaccines. I am confident that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is both safe and effective.”
Duggan said the city was planning to distribute the J&J vaccine as a “key component” in the expansion of vaccine centers.
“The day may come in March or April when every Moderna and Pfizer (shot) is committed and we still have people who need a vaccine, and that’s when we will set up a Johnson & Johnson center. , ”Duggans said Thursday.