ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) – While states desperately await more doses of the limited coronavirus vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna, the Maryland government Larry Hogan is hoping that another company will soon begin producing their version of their COVID-19 vaccine.
State officials said one of the companies getting closer to production is Johnson & Johnson, who has a contract with Maryland-based Emergent BioSolutions for a covid-19 vaccine.
Dr. David Marcozzi of the University of Maryland School of Medicine called the Johnson & Johnson vaccine a “game changer” because it is a single dose. Current Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses.
“There is good news as more and more COVID-19 vaccines are coming closer to authorization,” said Marcozzi. “Efficacy data from Johnson and Johnson’s COVID vaccine is expected to be available within weeks and shortly thereafter. [it] will be submitted to the FDA for consideration. The J&J vaccine is a single dose injection with less cold change storage requirements. So the approval of this vaccine could be a game changer. “
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Officials say once the FDA approves this vaccine, it will improve vaccine availability and support vaccination efforts not only in Maryland, but across the country.
Emergent BioSolutions, based in Gaithersburg and Baltimore, would manufacture the vaccine here in Maryland. The company has contracts with Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca.
Hogan said once they get FDA clearance they will be able to get them out.
The governor said he will speak to the CEO shortly and know more.
For the latest information on coronavirus, visit the Maryland Health Department website or call 211. You will find the full coverage of WJZ at coronavirus in Maryland here.